AUCKLAND, New Zealand — It is hard to post a bad photo of New Zealand to Instagram. Impossible, even.
After a two-week journey across Aotearoa, I joked with someone that even the ugly parts of New Zealand are gorgeous. That is because I am fairly certain they do not exist.
New Zealand has an incredible culture. Its food is phenomenal, and its people must be among the friendliest in the world.
Its culture feels familiar, yet foreign at the same time.
In two weeks, I posted a number of pictures to Instagram. For posterity, they are archived here.
Enjoy.
When this is your view for Sunday dinner. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
A flat white and a chorizo omelette to start the day. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board's Preston Workshops built tram No. 906, an SW6 Class in 1945. Today it ferries visitors to Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
Enjoying a cold one at Shakespeare Hotel and Brewery, New Zealand's first Brewpub. The hotel was established in 1898, and the brewery followed a few years later...in 1986 (ok, so it was a long few). After a long day on the water (ok, a one-hour sightseeing cruise), this is the perfect way to relax. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
It's not called the City of Sails for nothing. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
I'm not saying this is the best view ever for a wine tasting, but it's far from the worst. I was disappointed they don't have muscadine wine. Wait, no I wasn't. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The train is here, and we're ready to ride. The Northern Explorer between Auckland and Wellington is said to be one of the world's great railroad journeys. We'll know for certain in a few. #allaboard #nzbytrain (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The Northern Explorer offers stunning views of the New Zealand landscape. Endless shades of green dotted with white, yellow and pink flowers. And sheep. So many sheep. And incredible viaducts. The North island Main Trunk Line is a true engineering marvel. #nybytrain (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The Northern Explorer offers stunning views of the New Zealand landscape. Endless shades of green dotted with white, yellow and pink flowers. And sheep. So many sheep. And incredible viaducts. The North island Main Trunk Line is a true engineering marvel. #nybytrain (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
So, Wellington is amazing. The views from Kelburn are nothing short of beautiful. Plus, there's a cable car to the top. The original line opened in 1902, and it's still a fantastic way to travel to Kelburn and take in the view from the top. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
Old St. Paul's in Wellington was the cathedral of the Diocese of Wellington of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa (New Zealand) between 1866 and 1964. In a relatively new country, the 19th-century Gothic Revival structure stands out as truly historic. It's a peaceful place to step away from the busy city streets and reflect. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
Just a light breakfast of lamb kidneys, dijon mustard, watercress, radishes and bacon atop grilled ciabatta with a side of gremolata crumbed lamb brains with caper mayonnaise and lemon. And a Flat White, of course. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The view pulling into Picton on the Interislander ferry yesterday was nothing short of amazing. Nearly as amazing as the u-turns these boats pull before docking. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
There are some pictures (or vistas) that need no explanation. They immediately bring with them a sense of serenity. Maybe they don't offer answers to all of life's questions. They may not help bring peace to an otherwise tumultuous year. Perhaps they don't even absolve you of all the worries tomorrow will bring. But, for a brief moment, it's possible to bask in the atmosphere and the moment. If nothing else, take comfort knowing that from these soon to be grapes, great wine will one day emerge. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The winemaker's platter at Hans Herzog delights on every level, from its presentation to its incredibly fresh ingredients. Olives are grown on site. Strawberries taste like actual strawberries. Then there's the wine. Produced just feet away from the grapes growing directly in front of us. This is the true definition of farm to table. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
New Zealand Railways built the locomotive Passchendaele in 1915 at its Addington Workshops in Christchurch. The steamer entered service in October 1915 and is dedicated to the "memory of those members of the New Zealand Railways who fell in the Great War." Of the 100,000 New Zealanders who fought in World War I, about 5 percent worked on the railroad. Of those 5,000 railway workers, 444 were killed. The locomotive was named for the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres. Today, the locomotive runs as part of the Marlborough Flyer heritage steam train between Picton and Blenheim. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
A view from the drive yesterday. We took the long road from Blenheim to Christchurch since Highway 1 was still closed (It apparently reopens this afternoon). It was well worth the detour and this is some of the most beautiful countryside we've seen certainly in New Zealand, but perhaps anywhere. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The Botanic Gardens in Windy Wellington and Christchurch are quite stunning. This photo is from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A truly wonderful and serene place in a truly inspiring city. The city is a real lesson for overcoming tragedy and putting your best foot forward when it seems all hope is lost. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The worst part of any trip is the end, particularly to a place as beautiful as New Zealand. The food, the culture, the people. I have a feeling we'll be back again. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Haere Ra Aotearoa. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
