...I notice that New Zealand offers the kind of unparalleled scenic experience, which can't be easily compared to the likes of Norway or the European Alps. It's more gentle, more quiet but very soothing, very idyllic, almost homey. No wonder so many people settle here.
...I observe there is something very special about herds of cows grazing on the side of the road here. Can't put my finger on it yet but they're very photogenic somehow,
...I spot several birds crossing the road here as I drive. When I approach they panic a little but instead of flying they kind of just walk faster, you know?
...I eat a lot pies with different fillings. The food is very English here.
...I drive out to Coromandel Forest Park and go on a trek to one of the iconic Lord of the Rings locations - the Pinnacles. It is supposed to be an 6-8h trek round trip, I do it in 4.5h but pay the price - my muscles are super sore and my head is killing me. Probably because my water runs out way too soon. The views from the top are mind blowing though the wind is ferocious. And I get cellphone service from the summit so I book my next hotel :)
...after going down I find out my hotel gets cancelled on some bulls*** pretense of wrong credit card so I book a nice motel in Hamilton - with free wifi (really!). The room is a great change after the nights in the car and in the tent.