Andrew Hyde lives in Boulder, Colorado and travels frequently.

New Zealand South Island Vacation

I just got back from a great trip to the South Island of New Zealand with Scott Andreas.

Two weeks away from the grid.  It was wonderful, and the first ‘proper’ vacation I have ever had.

My thoughts:

Skylight

There is really a pain point of trying to write this post.  I am sitting with the founders of EverLater at Trident now, and wish they had their product live, for it would be amazing to use.

New Zealand South Island

I’m still totally relaxed.  A great trip.  Great food, the exchange rate was in our favor and we were able to really see an amazing amount of the island.

I’ve debated how to share the trip (shakes fist EverLater isn’t live) and am really not sure how to do it.  My photos are here.

Quick thoughts:

  1. Everyone should take more trips.
  2. New Zealand is one of the prettiest places I have ever been.
  3. That said, it is hard to compete with Colorado.
  4. Food in the US is really poor in quality.   The fast food movement has killed the chance of a healthy nation.
  5. The US really needs to work at hospitality in customs.  We had a great experience, but we heard many horror stories from travelers.
  6. Driving on the left side of the road was surprisingly easy.  Amazing how you can slip away from a lifelong habit in a day.

So now I sit, getting caught up on life, getting projects up to speed, and I smile, and think of all the great people we met, all the experiences we had.  For some reason, I don’t want to write about them, or at least not now.

Grad school or traveling next year, it is still up in the air.

New Zealand South Island

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8 responses to “New Zealand South Island Vacation”

  1. Scott Andreas Avatar
    Scott Andreas

    Wait, you went where?

  2. Alex Berger Avatar
    Alex Berger

    I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to visit NZ – one of the top places on my list. Such an amazing people and travel culture when interacting with Kiwis abroad. I can only imagine the quality of the experience when that's combined with the amazing natural beauty and setting.

    Glad you had an amazing trip. True pleasure travel is an amazing learning experience and phenomenal insight into ones inner self and direction.

  3. Derek Scruggs Avatar
    Derek Scruggs

    Did you make it down to Queenstown? That place is awesome in February. Biggest difference from Colorado is the lack of cars on the roads, and not many power lines. You really feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.

  4. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    Andrew – sounds like you had a good time, your comments I think are the realization that every American has when they go, at least I did!

  5. shedd Avatar
    shedd

    Glad you had a great trip, Andrew! I was in New Zealand for the first time last year and it is certainly a beautiful and very special place.

  6. Kath Avatar
    Kath

    So happy you celebrated your birthday during such an amazing trip. When I saw the pix you posted of yourself above in your Flickr stream, I thought to myself 'that is the most relaxed/happiest I have ever seen him'.

    One question – are you glad you took the Canon with you?

    Can't wait to catch up in person.

    Welcome back 🙂

  7. Castro Avatar
    Castro

    Totally i agree with you..Everyone should make more with their family or friends..
    Caribbean vacation

  8. Food Hampers Avatar
    Food Hampers

    In relation to food stuff, yes, you are to think of quality ones to satisfy your wants while traveling. Why not consider food hampers that are toxic-free? This will surely make your meal complete and by the way, you have great pics.

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