As our time in New Zealand began to wind down, our final stops took us to two places back on the water’s edge, this time on the northern end of the South Island: Kaikōura and Abel Tasman National Park.

Kaikōura was a wonderful place to get back out on the water. Thanks to a deep offshore canyon, the waters just beyond the coastline are rich with marine life, making it one of the best places in the country to see whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Even from shore, we saw plenty of wildlife, whether it was a New Zealand fur seal lounging on the rocks or a seabird gliding overhead.

From there, we continued north to Nelson to visit friends before heading into Abel Tasman National Park. After days spent among towering peaks and alpine valleys, the golden sand, turquoise water, and coastal walking trails felt like an entirely different New Zealand. It was a good reminder of just how much variety can fit into a country that isn’t all that large.

It’s hard to think of a better way to end the trip. Between the dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, curious kea, rugged coastlines, and peaceful beaches, New Zealand proved to be one of the more photogenic countries we’ve visited. Kaikōura and Abel Tasman were a fitting finale.

All photos from April, 2026. 

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