This post was inspired by roads. Roads we take. Roads we choose. Roads we travel through. Alone or with someone. With or without a destination. By foot, by car. By heart. And of course, inspired by the beautiful, mystical, magical landscape of the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand... 

The moment she stepped on the land, to check out the place where they will be potentially living, there was no turning back. She felt home. Yet she tried to deny it. As it was so very different from everything she has ever known from before. Tried to protest against it, even semi-faked a terrible bad mood to distract the attention. Semi, because she recognised it quite soon that it was just the programming. Automatisms. Fears. Excuses. To distract. To hold back. To keep everything under control... Haha, so pathetic. And so hard to recognise.

But eventually, she listened to her feelings... She's been practising it for some time now. They emerged with a supernatural power to help her win the battle of truth over her mind. They always show up in the right moment. And they are always right...

Looking for the best place for an unforgettable picnic? A day out that you will remember for the rest of your life? Search no more! We found it! It's called Wenderholm, and it's one of the most beautiful and actually the very first Auckland regional parks that was opened to the public in 1965! And only half an hour's drive North of Auckland. A real hidden treasure, definitely not overcrowded by tourists.

Breathtaking pohutukawas, a wide variety of beautiful trees, lush coastal forests, the smell of the sea, the sound of the waves, a colourful variety of chirping birds, tranquility and happy giggles, a fascinating estuary, a lot of green space to relax and unwind, barbecues, walking tracks, a campground and even a historic house awaits. ​So so worth, an absolute must see and a "must feel" if you have some time to discover the region. :) Here are my favourite moments, and who knows, they might inspire you to pay a visit one day... 

Haven't posted these for a while. Missed them. Here is the newest one. :)

Inspired by Tolkien's wisdom.
And Doubtful Sound. 

Mystical. By name.
Intrigued. Right from the first time I heard of its fame.

The Riwaka Resurgence. Or in Maori, Te Puna o Riuwaka. 

​Somewhere beneath the Takaka Hill, in the breathtaking surrounding of the Northwestern top of the South Island lies a beautiful gem of nature secretly hidden in the depth of a little forest. Embraced by an unbelievably green, mossy wonderland. 

Where the river begins, a place for healing. ​A mysteriously traveling water suddenly emerging from the vast network of caves. Out of nowhere. Making its way through the rocks. Surfacing and reviving. Fresh and cold. Spilling life. Chrystal clear green and blue layers twinkling in and out of the shade. 
 
Riwaka Resurgence - one of the many truly amazing places where one can experience the wonders of this unique land and understand a bit of the strong Maori spiritual heritage of New Zealand. Nature and culture hand in hand. This is one of the reasons why I love it so much here. Let me take you there. :)

The greenest greens, the bluest blues.
Rivers meet the sea. Farmland till your eyes can see.  
Waves hit the rocks, surfers hit the waves.
Tides come, tides go. 
​Boats set sail. Shells line up. Stars shine bright. 
And the sun paints the sky with the colours of the rainbow.

Whangarei. Your fresh air makes our skin glow. :)

This is basically it when I want to sum up the last few days spent in Whangarei. Found the perfect spot to relax and soak up with energy and the breathtaking surroundings. Just the regular stuff. Watch some surfers, pick shells, go fishing and eat fresh fish, enjoy the smells of the farm and the belly warming feeling of the electric fence while checking out some cows... ;)

The Mount. Located somewhere in paradise, at the very end of the road leading through a narrow peninsula. In the heart of the Bay of Plenty. Majestically dominating the land. Captivating, iconic, round. One of its kind.
​
Once you make it to the top,  what you see will definitely blow your mind. Spectacular. Incomparable. Pristine.

I'm not kidding, seriously, this is the view from the top. Been there, climbed it, saw it. Magical.
​Join me for one of New Zealand's most popular summit walks? Let's go! :)

I woke up very early today. Everything was so quiet. Still dark. For some time, I didn't know what to do, I'm absolutely not used to waking up at this time. But then I looked out of the window. 

The moment of sunrise...

And a sudden adrenaline rush. Excitement. A quick and spontaneous decision.
​I headed to the beach. I wanted to be there. To see this!