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The inspiring South Island, New Zealand

 Last week I was extremely lucky and went on holiday to my favourite part of New Zealand - the South Island. Don't get me wrong, I fell in love with this country six years ago when I came here for a holiday (and never quite left) but there is just something particularly magical about the South. The mountains look like giants, the plains are as vast as your eyes can see, the golden hour seems to last a lifetime and the air is perfectly clean.

This trip we spent four days in the township - Wanaka - where my Mr.'s parents have now built their dream home. My parents flew in from the US (yup, the big meet of the parents!) and we all relaxed, enjoyed some specular wine, food and company surrounded by the most magnificent mountain scenery. I was even lucky enough to stop into a few of my stockists while in town - it's always such a humbling and "someone pinch me" experience to see my products in shops.  After spending some time in Wanaka helping with the move, touring around some stupendous wineries it was time to travel further south!

I was extremely lucky this trip to see where my Mr. grew up, a teeny tiny township named Te Anau. It's not exactly a metropolis like my home town, Palo Alto, but his old family farm took my breath away.  It's no surprise the people from the South are so lovely, just look at where they live! From Te Anau we traveled into what really should be named one of the world wonders: Milford Sound. My parents and I planned to come on a cruise here five years ago but the trip was cancelled due to an earthquake - let me tell ya - it was worth the wait!  We all decided to do an overnight tour which meant we sailed alongside dolphins, saw rainbows, and woke up with fresh snow on the mountains. It really doesn't get more spectacular than that.

Here is a small list of my favourites from the trip:

• My parents love wine tasting when they come to New Zealand (who doesn't, right!), the Northburn winery has a fantastic antipasto platter that can be enjoyed on their spectacular lawns.
• There is a fantastic Wood Gallery just outside Wanaka passed Luggate - everything is made there on the premises by the owners. Their cheese boards are really something else.
• Another favourite winery that we visit every trip is Mt. Difficulty. It's become a tradition to come and have lunch here every time we come to visit Wanaka. They also now make a Chenin Blanc - delish!
• If you're traveling through Te Anau on your way to or from the Fiords, make sure to put Dunluce Bed & Breakfast on your list. Their hospitality, breakfast and decor was top notch!
• Lastly, here is the overnight cruise we took on Milford Sound. The crew was extremely friendly and knowledgable - highly recommended.

As you can see I have a strong love for New Zealand. It inspires me everyday with its beauty and lovely people. I hope you have enjoyed some of my pictures! x