KD's World Tour, Chapter 3: New Zealand

In Chapter 3 of my World Tour using Google Street View we visit New Zealand, on our way to southeast Asia. I have never been to New Zealand, but had seen it many times in movies and pictures. Looking at the map, I had thought, why would one travel all that distance and go to New Zealand when you can go to Australia instead, which is so much bigger? Now, after my virtual tour, I think if I could go and see 1% of what I virtually saw, it would be worth it.

The virtual trek starts out at the south end of the South Island. The smaller towns near the coast have seen busier times. Here is a storefront in Tuatapere. I've edited the images to give them an old timer feel, as it seemed to fit the mood.

In Orepuki.

Getting to Happy Valley, the landscape suggests The Shire in Lord of the Rings.

These trees in Pahia are something else!

Then, we enter Fiordland National Park, and the beauty meter peaks.

Next, on to Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu in Otago, New Zealand. Of the tens of thousands of miles I've gone in Google Street View, this was probably the prettiest stretch of road I've encountered so far.

Strange things are known to happen in this area as well...

The largest city on the South Island is Christchurch. Here is a collage of images from inside Christ's College.

Here's an interesting use of a mirror for architectural design purposes, at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.

A gorgeous pool at the Pioneer Rec Center.

And, yes, more shopping!

Next we head to the North Island. Weta Cave in Wellington has a special presentation for Lord of the Rings fans.

Auckland featured some ultra-modern architecture.

Finally, is there any thing left to be said?