Scenery in NZ

[tottefan]

I know this might seem like a stupid question but is the scenery in NZ really as spectacular as some people make out? I'm asking this question because I've never been to NZ before but plan to live there once I have completed my degree programme.

People point to the Lord of The Rings and various other films that have been filmed there, but I wondered whether the scenery is generally overrated or is it really as good as those films portray? Any opinions are welcome of course.


tottefan.

[pelagia]

Oh, it is. It really is! I had high expectations the first time I went, but was still blown away. Silly as it sounds, at times I felt I just wanted to cry it was so beautiful... But then again, I am a sucker for nature :icon_biggrin:

I guess it all depends on what kind of nature you're used to though...I cone from the south Sweden which is pretty and all but there's nothing spectacular. However, I've travelled a fair bit and NZ is without a doubt the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

Moving to Nelson in August... can't wait to actually live in the middle of all the beauty!

[moggy]

[quote:35a1d582f2="pelagia"]...I cone from the south Sweden [/quote:35a1d582f2]

Where abouts? I lived in Viken near Helsingborg for a while.


Oh and yes the scenery is fantastic, here is a link to the photos I took on holiday
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/...iaow/index.htm

[pelagia]

[b:f24d6a752a]Moggy[/b:f24d6a752a]
Born in Norrk?ping on the east coast but live in Gothenburg now....

Great pic's!! Can't wait to get back there!

As I recall, one of the most powerful scenery-moment was driving trough the Homer tunnel on the way to Milford... coming out on the other side was like entering a new world!

Its all a beautiful country, obviously some parts are more beautiful than others. In my eyes the rolling vinyards of Marlborough with the back drop of the mountains take some beating, for more than aesthetic beauty!

The canterbury plains are a bit more bland & parts of the north island are commercial forest. Saying that though, you are never far away from a view that will make you go wow and wow again! We drove along queen charlotte sound by car, it was fantastic, however the road is so twisty that the kids felt sick in the back of the car! Next time we will do it by boat!

I think it could be the clear air that bring out the vividness of landscapes, again a damn good reason for upping sticks to go there!

[netchicken]

I've got some pics as well you might be interested in.
http://stuffucanuse.com/Odds_and_Sods/all_pics.htm

this one, of autumn, last month is nice at lake Tekapo
[img:85063b300b]http://stuffucanuse.com/Odds_and_Sods/southern-lakes/tekapo1.jpg[/img:85063b300b]
Very Lord of the rings type landscape (I'm sitting because the wind was so strong)
[img:85063b300b]http://stuffucanuse.com/Odds_and_Sods/christmas2004/ramhill10.jpg[/img:85063b300b]

[moggy]

[quote:f3a70716b1="pelagia"][b:f3a70716b1]Moggy[/b:f3a70716b1]
Born in Norrk?ping on the east coast but live in Gothenburg now....

[/quote:f3a70716b1]

I don't know Norrk?ping, but I have been through Gothenburg a couple of times, although just on the way to the ferry. Although I think Sweden is a lovely country to visit and I was offered a permanent contract over there I just couldn't cope with life in Sweden. The people were nice enough, but (trying to phrase this nicely) way too ordinary and conservative. By that I mean that I saw very little that wasn't just middle of the road. The only wacky thing I saw in my time there was Ladonia which I loved as it was such a way out thing to do.

[pelagia]

Ladonia? Never heard of it... what is it?

Yes, you're right about the people... Everyone is nice and friendly, but it's hard to get to close. I also don't like the way (we) swedes always seem to find something to complain about even on a sunny day so to speak. They (erhh.. we) never seem to be happy. Guess that's why I'm leaving :icon_razz:

[moggy]

It is a piece of sculpture built from driftwood, it is massive- several stories high built on the nature reserve Kullaberg, in the northwest corner of Sk?ne. It was built without permission and the authorities have been trying ever since to get rid of it, however it has developed into a cult following. The artist got around one attempt to get rid of his work by giving it and ISBN number and declaring it to be a book which because of the free speach laws they then couldn't force its destruction.
Like it of loath it, it is impressive with its towers and walkways.

http://www.ladonia.net/

[img:c68a53a6d7]http://www.ladonia.net/photo/to2.jpg[/img:c68a53a6d7]

[img:c68a53a6d7]http://www.ladonia.net/photo/to.jpg[/img:c68a53a6d7]

http://www.bastad.se/~hansk/pano2.htm

http://www.torget.se/users/h/Hasset/ladonia/ladonia.htm