The South Island Road Trip

Total Kilometers: 3,221

Total Miles: 2,001

What a beautiful trip it's been...

It began with a ferry crossing like no other. The 3.5 hour crossing begins in Wellington and arrives Picton after passing through the Cooke Straight and the remarkable Marlborough Sounds. Peaks of luscious forrest around each corner. Eyes of amazement focused on the beauty. As the ferry glided to its destination a sense of excitement struck. My long awaited arrival to the South Island had arrived. Within a few hours I arrived to the warm, sunny town of Nelson; a thriving city on the coast. The vibe was too good to leave, so I stayed and found myself roaming the streets and eating spicy tuna rolls at a local sushi joint. Nelson is famous for a few things, mainly the amazing weather, but also the access to Abel Tasman National Park. 60km North lives a stunningly beautiful area with a wonderful reputation for kayaking, hiking and acres of untouchable forrest. Sounded cool, so I drove there the following morning. Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest, but most famous National Park home to golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lush green bushland and amazing wildlife. After a long day of kayaking with internationals and a wonderful guide, we whisked back on a water taxi passing dolphins and watching the boats bridge atop of trailers pushed by tractors. A few minutes away lives my accommodation for the evening; none other than Old Mac-Donald Farm. If anyone is keen, it's actually for-sale at the moment at a modest $7 mill. For that you get 100 acres at the footsteps of the park. A bit of care for the lamas, sheep, cows, birds, roosters might also be necessary. At the farm, I met a nice couple from Chicago and a brother and sister from Seattle traveling for similar reasons. I awoke to red bumps and sore muscles, but mostly I was pissed about the attack of the sand-flies! Never-the-less, I hiked a few hours before leaving the park headed for beautiful Punakaiki home of the Pancake Rocks.

The rocks are limestone formations which were once under the sea shore and are now surfaced. As the waves crash the formations crumble slowly a few pieces at a time into the sea. They say within 1000 years, they will all be gone. The highlight of Punakaiki was the lodge I fortunately found; one I would highly recommend. Te Nikau Retreat ranks perhaps as one of the most relaxing backpackers in the country. Carved out of bush and deep in the rainforest, I slept like a baby. It was a refreshing and sincerely sweet spot and as the manager said "I would wish I could stay another night". I did wish, but I didn't stay. Gotta keep moving... Driving the West Coast of the South Island was becoming more special by the day and I felt a sense of accomplishment with each new arrival.

Next stop: Franz Joseph Glacier: a village at the base of a gigantic glacier in the Southern Alps. I arrived to Franz in the evening and checked into the Montrose backpackers just around supper time. It was raining hard and I was told stories of a huge rescue mission off the glacier that day because of the heavy rain. The forecast for the following day was looking better, so I went ahead and booked a day hike and crossed my fingers. Indeed I awoke to breaking clouds and before I knew it, I was ascending through the rocky valley until reaching the base. From there we strapped on our crampons and began our 2 hour hike through the narrow walls and deep passages of the powerful glacier. It was truly an exciting, challenging and rewarding experience. That night, I relaxed filled with a brilliant feeling of achievement and gratitude for God's creation and the value nature has on each of us. I was ready to hit up Queenstown.

The drive from Franz to Queenstown will forever be a memorable drive. Never have I encountered such beauty continually passing magnificent hillsides, lake, rivers and terrific views. I averaged 20kms before having to stop for a photo. In total I drove just over 375km and passed through the towns of Fox Glacier, Haast and Wanaka. The word on the street is that Queenstown is notorious for two things: The nightlife and outdoor extreme adventures. I hadn't even reached the town center before I'd seen three bungee jumping companies and a large chair lift used for paragliding and of course riding the Luge. (a go-cart ride) The nightlife became evident the minute I arrived to the Pinewood Lodge. Three Swedish guys (who had been rescued off of Franz that stormy day) and an Irishman discussed the events of the previous night. I walked into a very good vibe. I chose Pinewood Lodge based on a recommendation from an American couple I met in Fiji. They said they'd be there during my visit and so I thought I'd pop in. Sure enough, they were there and we shared BBQ and stories the evening I arrived. I also became great mates with my new Swedes and ended up in Queenstown the next 4 nights. Before getting too deep into Queenstown's adventures, I first headed to Milford Sound the most northerly and most celebrated of Firodlands fifteen fiords. I was instructed not to miss Milford. After all my driving, I decided to have a break and travel by coach to the Sound. The scenic drive was definitely better enjoyed from the front seat of a cozy bus listening to the dry humor of our kiwi driver. I saw the most stunning vertical waterfalls, rivers and lakes EVER. From a ferry, we sailed through the Sound and into the Tasman Sea. I was lucky to meet Felipe from Brazil and Sarah from Auckland who were also staying at Pinewood. That evening we got together with the Swedes and had a night out in Queenstown. First stop was Winnies bar where Ian Steger (Bravo and Seth's buddy from Bellingham) plays manager. It was great to see Ian and share my adventure with a brother from home. The next few days were spent with Max, Joel, Robin (the Swedes) and Felipe roaming Queenstown, eating Fergie burgers, riding the luge, river surfing (killer adventure) and of course laughing our arses off. Thanks for the memories fellas and can't wait to see you again... I departed Queenstown a bit sore from the river, but with so many good memories. Next stop Christchurch.

And what a good choice! Upon arrival I was welcomed into Mony's house the friend I stayed with in Wellington. His parents live there and he was home visiting. Such a warm and friendly environment. His mom Mimi so sweet, dad so generous and kind. I ate warm cooked Egyptian meals, had great conversations, saw Christchurch from the locals perspective and made some lifelong new friends. A true thanks to the family and also Bish for driving us around and the movies we watched! Would love to repay the favour brothers so please visit soon.

I spent my last two days in Auckland. Heba and her Iraqi friends were kind enough to spend the day with me on Waiheke Island where we tasted wine, beer, played lifesize chess games and enjoyed each others company.

Off to Australia. Peace and Love to all. -Fadi