Nothing can beat Nelson on a sunny day. The beautiful setting of the city, right between the hills and the sea. The historic neighbourhoods, those pretty wooden houses, that bring back glimpses and memories of the past. Still preserved, stunning heritage villas that make this place quite special and unique, all around New Zealand.  

And now, I have to say, nothing beats Nelson on a beautiful sunny autumn day. Autumn brought even more colours and warmth to this magical little city on the top of the South Island.

Here are some of my favourite pictures. Are you ready for a walk in the sunshine? :)

I haven't listened to classical music for some time. Not to mention the last time I went to a concert... It's been ages! Somehow, being in New Zealand has been first and foremost about discovering the incomparable nature and landscape around me, as it is so unique and breathtaking, it totally fascinates me.   The power of novelty, too, and experiencing the greenery, the freshness, after living in a big city with limited access to nature. My journey in New Zealand definitely included much less culture and music - something that was, undoubtedly, a huge and important part of my everyday life, in Paris, in the capital of culture... 

I didn't realise I missed it. In this form. Until this week. As I stepped through the timeless wooden doors of the Theatre Royal, to attend the Adam Chamber International Music Festival, one of New Zealand's major musical events, an exciting rush of adrenaline spread through my body and veins... 

Every year it's on the agenda for many. Bringing art and creativity right into the Centre of New Zealand. Attracting many culture loving Kiwis from all over the country, with a growing number of tourists from all around the world, the Nelson Arts Festival showcases some beautiful pieces of inspiration throughout almost 2 weeks. In a truly inspiring setting, on the lovely sunny streets of Nelson, with the magical, misty hills surrounding.

Theatre, dance, music, cabaret, circus, writers' talks, comedy, visual arts, colourful community and family events, everyone can choose. And a Masked Street Parade, with enthusiastic crowds, adults and school kids dressed up in spectacular creations, marching one after the other, on the rhythm of the percussion.

Today we got cultural and upon the invitation of a lovely friend, we seized the moment and headed to Aotea Square, to Aotea Centre, one of the most well-known arts and events centres in the heart of Auckland city. To peek into the Pan Pacific Youth Harmony Festival. :)

I'm an absolute flower person. And a plant person. And a tree person. No wonder I have been so looking forward to our visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. A beautifully and well designed huge space that welcomes every visitor right from the start!  And where culture meets nature. For free!

Have you ever thought of a public toilet as a piece of art? Are you looking for a new experience? Well, New Zealand art scene has something incredible to offer! 

We were on our way to discover the Northland Region of New Zealand, the very top of the North Island, looking forward to see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean when we got really hungry and decided to stop at the next occasion. By chance, the next town was Kawakawa, a tiny little place along the road. It quickly turned out that it was not just a regular town! It was home to the world famous Austrian artist-architect of the 20th century, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who spent his last years living in New Zealand! And he designed this toilet here! :)

This weekend we set off to discover another amazing and one of my top favourite places in the world - I could compare it to "the Mediterranean of the Pacific" - the Tasman Nelson region with its amazing landscapes and beaches, and its cultural and economic hub, Sunny Nelson.