Godzone

New Zealand takes all the best parts of the globe, and concentrates them in one compact, kick-ass little country. The mountains soar jaggedly skyward, the rivers run clear as gin, the beaches are perfect and deserted, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Everywhere you turn you are awed by majestic beauty, and every part of the country is different. It is no wonder that many call New Zealand “God’s own land.”

We flew into Christchurch, a lovely city on the east coast of the South Island that is said to be the most English city in the world outside of England. Here, the town square is dominated by a grand Anglican cathedral, punts glide down the Avon River, and immaculate gardens dot the cityscape. It is small, Victorian, and very, very pleasant.



Outside of Christchurch pastoral farmland rolls down toward the rugged coast. Small towns with picture-perfect harbors dot the coastline. Sheep graze languidly above jagged ocean cliffs, while penguins, seals, whales, and dolphins ply the coastal waters below.



The rest of New Zealand lies before us. There are mountains and glaciers to climb, trails to hike, trout to stalk, and beaches to explore. The world tour has six weeks left, and this is the last country. It is time to go out with a bang.

Enjoy the Christchurch Photo Gallery.