With the wind from the southern hemisphere blowing, we head south (Part 1). . . .
I set foot on this land again only because I have passed through the North Island for many years and was amazed by its beautiful scenery, which is far superior to Australia. However, I heard that the South Island of New Zealand is known as the last pure land in the world and has the purest original ecological landscape. Compared with the North Island, the natural scenery is even better! When winter in the northern hemisphere meets summer in the southern hemisphere, the god-like teammates gather and set off, Christchurch we are coming. .
D1: Watch the wonders of glaciers - As the plane flies eastward from the west coast of the South Island, the purity of New Zealand is already visible. Outside the cabin window, there are glaciers wrapped in clouds and mist, emerald-clear lakes and azure blue skies. This is a land far away from pollution.
The collision of various blues on Lake Tekapo makes the pure sky dim under the sun! As the plane turned, sank, and went straight, New Zealand struck our sight violently with its infinitely transparent colors, as if God had casually left behind a beautiful oil painting. . . .
D1 The most beautiful starry sky town - Tekapo, New Zealand
The town of Tekapo is the first "Dark Sky Reserve" certified by the United Nations, where you can enjoy the pollution-free and brightest starry sky with your naked eyes. Tekapo's most beautiful side emerges as night falls. Under the sky, the stars are shining. It is impossible to express the shock in my heart through words and pictures. You can't truly understand it unless you experience it yourself. Just like what traveling brings to us. TEKAPO, there is more than just the starry sky. . .
D2 I slept until I woke up naturally and went to Astro cafe, which is known as the most beautiful cafe in the world. Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, you can overlook the unparalleled beauty of Lake Tekapo. After a simple breakfast, say goodbye to TEKAPO. Blowing the southern hemisphere wind, we headed south to our second stop, Dunedin. The beauty of independent travel is to act spontaneously, follow your heart, and experience the wonder of encountering delicious food and beautiful scenery everywhere. . .
D3: Dunedin It is about 300 kilometers drive from Tekapo to Dunedin. Dunedin is a South Island city with a rich Scottish style. It is known as the city that is "most like Scotland outside of Scotland".
I opened the window and the sound of the waves and birdsong blew in the cool air, and I was awakened by the early morning in Dunedin. . .
D3: Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula. This 140-year-old building is the only ancient castle in New Zealand. It has a very advantageous geographical location. Standing on the top floor of the castle, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the sea. Tonight, we are not staying in the castle, but in a hotel converted from a stable. It looks simple on the outside but is very exquisite on the inside. You can enjoy a candlelight dinner in the castle and an absolutely amazing breakfast in the castle stable. Of course, the beautiful castle has a sad story. If you are full of positive energy, you might as well come and experience it. . .
D4: We went to Dunedin Railway Station. For us who are used to seeing cities, compared with many magnificent or tall and grand European buildings, Dunedin Railway Station is not particularly outstanding. On the contrary, we were more attracted to Baldwin Street, the "world's steepest street". Its slope is 35%, and it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world. According to Baidu, "It was designed by some British town planners who had never been to Dunedin. They simply drew some small grids on the drawings and did not realize that they had designed a road that was counterintuitive or ridiculous...
D5: Queenstown, the climax of the journey, we boarded the TSS Earnslaw steamship. As the only operating coal-fired ferry in the Southern Hemisphere, although it has been around for a hundred years, it has not faded into history due to the passage of time. The steam engine in the power room and the bow museum made us feel the heavy sense of history. It still retains its original elegant shape, slowly and gracefully shuttling through the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains in Queenstown, becoming the Lady of the Lake. Following the sound of ancient ship horns, you can see the plateau pastures below Walter Peak in the distance. In fact, all the ranches are similar. Apart from the herds of cattle and sheep, the only thing that amazes us is the azure sky overlooking the dark green lake, warmly surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. Flowers surround the steps in front of and behind the house, making it like a paradise. . .
The Lord of the Rings journey begins. . .