It’s almost impossible to believe, but we now have LESS THAN ONE MONTH remaining on our crazy around-the-world adventure 🗺…how did that happen!

We’re spending the next few weeks based in Wanaka (Queenstown’s sleepy neighbor to the north), determined to push our New Zealand trekking boundaries to the next level. 😬

Our first stop was a relatively easy (and wet) 5 miles up and around Rocky Mountain. With a respectable 1,500ft. climb in elevation, this was a great way to dust off the cobwebs. 🕸

Yup, just a little muddy…

While Tara & Caden enjoyed what I could only imagine was a peaceful day in Wanaka (without us 😜), Keira & I decided to tackle Isthmus Peak. To be clear, the spot that Keira was pointing to was unfortunately only a false peak…the actual Isthmus Peak was much, much farther away. 🥵

Over the course of our 8 mile trek the weather went from bright and sunny, to chilly and windy (more great hair pics…you’re welcome), to a complete downpour.

After a 3,300ft. climb in elevation we reached the snowy peaks…and then bolted back down to see if we could outrun the rain!

#unsuccessful 🌧

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Just a few pics from our visit to bustling & backpacker-filled Queenstown…be sure to check out the Mischievous Kea at Altitude Brewing if you’re ever in the area!

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Ok, so Aoraki Mount Cook is not exactly “near” Wanaka (sorry kids)…but ever since we saw the west face of this incredible mountain during our trek down the coast, I knew we’d have to come back for more.

The hike itself (Hooker Valley Track) was a relatively easy 6 miles, but filled with incredible views from the heart of the Southern Alps. We were even lucky enough to catch an avalanche as it made its way down to the valley floor.

Yes, from a safe distance. 🙄

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Disclaimer

Unfortunately a few of these posts have become obnoxiously long…kind of like perpetual run-on-sentences only worse because you also have to tolerate the incessant pictures.

And with that, back to the pics!

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Our final adventure for the week was a trek up Roy’s Peak. At 10 miles in length with a 4,000ft. climb in elevation, this one was an ass-kicker. Which is exactly why I’m sitting here writing this post today as opposed to…well, anything requiring movement. 🏔

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Happy Thanksgiving from the Southern Hemisphere to all our friends and family back home! 🦃