Over the last three months in New Zealand we’ve been searching for the infamous hoards of sheep that march their way across the land…and finally, we found them in the Southland.

Our last few days in New Zealand were spent on two farmstays in the southern third of the South Island…home to LOTS of open space!

• 

• 

Our first stay was at a 1,500 acre 4th generation family run farm not far from the southern tip of New Zealand. With 3,000 🐑, 1,000 🐄, a few hundred 🦌 and around 30 purebred quarter horses 🐎, our experience at Johnny’s farm was incredible.

• 

• 

The landscape surrounding the farm was equally impressive with countless bushwalks and waterfalls all marching towards the bottom of the island.

Around Curio Bay we saw Smeagol’s waterfall, the fossilized remains of an 180 million year old Jurassic coastal forest, and a pair of the world’s rarest Yellow-eyed penguins! 🐧 🐧

• 

• 

But it was back on the farm that we all found our happy place. Whether we were attempting to herd escaped sheep, spending time with the horses or simply cruising the expansive property, we absolutely loved every minute of it.

With only four days to go in New Zealand it was time to make our way north towards Timaru for our final stay. Along the way we stopped for an unbelievable lunch at Fleurs Place and a short stroll at Moeraki Beach to see some of the earth’s strangest spherical boulders.

Yes, these are real.

And then…the Birds! 🦜

• 

• 

Our final few days in New Zealand were spent enjoying the 🐶, 🐈, 🐓, 🐖, 🐐, 🐑, 🐄 and 🦙 (yes alpacas…watch out, they spit!) at our last farmstay.

After enjoying the farm and exploring more of the amazing (and always free) parks, we took off to Lake Tekapo for one final New Zealand trek.

Our beautiful hike up and around Mt. John took us through fields of lupins and overlooked the eastern face of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Yes, this place is a little bit off the beaten path…but if you ever find yourself in this corner of the world be sure to stop in at The Greedy Cow for what could arguably be the best huevos rancheros on the planet. 🌏

• 

• 

Thank you New Zealand…hopefully our paths will cross again. ☺️

As for the rest of you, we’ll see you in Fiji! 🇫🇯