New Zealand is a place where the imposing natural landscapes rule and sheep outnumber the locals six to one, so it’s no wonder so many independent travellers are so drawn to this pristinely kept country. Arguably the jewel in this country’s crown is the South Island, New Zealand’s wilderness backcountry and a place which has provided the backdrop to many big-budget movies. I spent a dreamy few weeks touring the sublime forests, towering snow-capped alps, unsullied beaches, unearthly blue glacier-fed lakes and unique fiords which have made New Zealand one of the most beautiful, unspoilt travel destinations on earth. Here is my South Island photos in BIG pictures…
Lake Tepako
Queenstown
Lake Wanaka
Moke Lake
Milford Sound
Mirror Lake, Fiordland National Park
Franz Josef, Glacier Country
The West Coast
How to get around
There’s a number of hop-on, hop-off bus operators running in New Zealand both on the North and the South Island. I travelled with Naked Bus which offers low-cost long-distance transport services on a flexible bus pass (but separate one-off journeys are also available). They keep the costs low by offering a low frills service, so don’t expect too many luxuries, but I loved that the drivers always stopped at beauty stops en route to your destination so you can take photos. They also always ran on time, I found the online booking process very easy to navigate and I also got to travel with a friendly bunch of travellers – always a welcome thing when you’re travelling solo! For more information on this type of affordable travel visit Nakedbus.com
All photos taken by Becky Padmore with a Leica V-lux camera.
32 Comments
Kelly Harris
5 November, 2015 at 11:19 pmI love New Zealand. We spent 3 weeks there and it was not enough. Your pictures are gorgeous? What was your favorite part? Favorite thing you did?
Gretel
15 June, 2015 at 3:14 amWhat stunning photos! South Island is such a special place. I feel like having to see those breath-taking views is such a privilege!
Becky Moore
24 August, 2015 at 1:31 pmThank you Gretal!
kelly
4 June, 2015 at 8:52 pmThere is no place like home! After years of travelling the world, I don’t think there is anywhere that takes my breathe away more than New Zealand. Such beautiful photos x
Becky Moore
24 August, 2015 at 1:32 pmThank you! You’re very lucky to call such an incredible place home!
Hira Mahnoor
9 May, 2015 at 6:50 amAmazing! Every pic is perfect! Nice camera work. I also want to visit New Zealand now!
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 1:45 pmThank you Hira! You wouldn’t regret a visit I promise!
April
2 May, 2015 at 6:57 amTruly fantastic shots of New Zealand, keep up the excellent work! 🙂
Becky Moore
4 May, 2015 at 1:35 amThank you April! 🙂