The Last of the South Island
As our time on New Zealand’s South Island came to an end, we found ourselves trying to soak in every last moment — and somehow, it just kept getting better.
Our journey toward Lake Tekapo felt like stepping into another world. Along the way, we stopped at the Clay Cliffs, a surreal landscape of towering formations that felt almost otherworldly. Slippery underfoot but completely worth it, it was one of those unexpected highlights that makes a road trip so special.
Lake Tekapo itself was nothing short of magical. Known for its dark skies, this place truly lives up to the hype. After a memorable dinner nearby, we set alarms for before sunrise and stepped outside into one of the clearest night skies we’ve ever seen. The stars were unbelievably bright, scattered across the sky in a way that almost didn’t feel real — and then, shooting stars streaked across above us. It was one of those moments you wish you could freeze in time.
The next day took us to Mt Cook, and it was every bit as breathtaking as we’d hoped. With clear skies and warm weather on our side, we hiked out to Kea Point, taking in sweeping views of the mountains. Later, we made our way to Lake Pukaki, where the water’s unreal blue color tempted us in — despite being absolutely freezing. It didn’t take long to realize just how cold it was, but that didn’t stop us. It was one of those “you have to do it” experiences, and we’re so glad we did.
Back in Tekapo, we slowed things down a bit — early mornings for more stargazing and time on the water kayaking, just taking in the peacefulness of it all.
From there, we made our way to Christchurch on a long, rainy drive that felt like a transition between adventures. Once we arrived, the pace shifted. Beach walks, playground stops, scooter rides, and good food filled our days. It was simple, relaxed, and exactly what we needed. Staying just a block from the ocean made it even better — the sound of the waves becoming the backdrop to our final days on the island.
When it came time to pack up and head to the airport, it felt like the end of something big. We squeezed in a few last stops, a couple of parks, and one final look around before flying out.
But somewhere along the way, we realized something: we weren’t ready to leave New Zealand.
Not even close.
Our initial plan was to spend one week up on the North Island at the end of our New Zealand portion with some of our friends from Colorado (More on the Love Martinez Family soon) and then head to Europe. BUT we decided we weren't ready to leave just yet. So we switched everything around to stay in the North Island for three more weeks of adventure.
Because sometimes, the best travel decisions are the ones you don’t plan!