When the COVID-19 outbreak saw borders close worldwide and our flights out of New Zealand were canceled, we initially felt trapped. But we soon decided there were far worse places to be stuck than “safe and beautiful” New Zealand. So, when the nationwide lockdown ended, we set out on a spontaneous mission to walk, canoe, and cycle the length of New Zealand, exploring some of the country’s most untouched landscapes along the way.
And there is not a single moment we regret to have come up with this amazing adventure idea. We feel spoiled not only by New Zealand's magic landscapes, but also by its people. Many Kiwis invited us to stay with them and were always happy to help. Whereas other countries decided to send their tourists back to their countries, New Zealand accommodated us so well.
And we are only halfway through our amazing journey. After walking and canoeing the length of the North Island (1,700 km) we are now planning on biking the South Island. We are filming and documenting our adventure.
And we want you to be part of this amazing journey! Because we know you cannot fly here at the moment, how about we send you a photograph from one of our favorite places in New Zealand in exchange for your support?
Be part of our adventure and support us to continue through our GoFundMe Funding Campaign.
Te Paki Sand Dunes, on 90 Mile Beach. It took us 4 days to walk the length of this deserted beach
Te Paki Sand Dunes
Some of the landscapes in New Zealand make you think of Mars, just like this one next to Cape Maria van Diemen
Kahikatea forest canopy
We mostly camp in the wild and the scenary is just breathtaking. It's such a great feeling to wake up every day in a different place
The majestic Kauri Trees, a highlight of Northland's native forests
The mud is definitely the biggest challenge that we often encounter in the native bush of New Zealand
Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri
Waikare Inlet, Northland. Even though we walked most of the North Island, we also kayaked parts of it
Kayaking the Waikare Inlet in the early morning
The magical Whanganui River, a five-day journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki with bush-clad gorges, numerous waterfalls, white water rapids, and a sacred cave
Whale Bay
Doubtful Sound. Fiordland is famous for its breathtaking scenery and its crystal clear water
Dusky Sound, Fiordland National Park
Spirits Bay
Relaxing on the Rocks near Spirits Bay
Te Werahi Beach
Crossing a River Mouth Estuary near Otaki Beach
River Mouth Estuaries—even though they can be difficult to cross at times, they're stunning
The day before arriving in Wellington we had 90 km/h strong winds. As we were approaching the Cook Strait, the weather was getting more unpredictable
Waipu, Northland
Our camping spot for the night under Northland's starry sky
Cape Reinga, the country's northernmost point
Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, also known as Mount Doom
Seals having a rest on the rocks next to Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island of New Zealand
Auckland
We are only halfway through our amazing journey. After walking and canoeing the length of the North Island (1,700 km) we are now planning on biking the South Island
