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? :)

Summer is long gone. At least for the past two weeks, it felt like a distant memory...
Yet today, it was summer. Summer again. Summer at the beach. Summer in my heart. And sand between my feet. An endless, joyful, peaceful summer. Full of fun and warm memories. When the sky is blue, the water clear, the sun shining, in so many ways.

And sweet sweet sweet discoveries. Of an endless summer at Tahuna Beach.

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.

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. :)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved spending time on the beach. Walking barefoot in the sand, toes splashing in the water. Sun caressing my face. Wind playing with my hair. The salty smell of the ocean in my nose. The chirping of the seagulls. Listening to the little stones, sea shells dancing in the water. Riding with the waves. And then washed ashore. Taking a sunbath...

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.