North vs. South

Many countries have rivalries. West coast versus east coast. One culture versus another. Cities versus the country. Etc. In New Zealand, it seems as though the split is the North Island versus the South Island. And they could not be more different.

The South Island, distinctly closer to that great cold landmass of Antarctica, is, in a word, rugged. Despite being a larger area, it has far fewer people than the north - one third. It is largely rural and much of it is untouched by human hands. There are huge mountains and sprawling glaciers, amazing aquamarine lakes and rushing rivers. And what a great place to view the southern sky (which, I might add is quite disorienting). Oh, and did I mention that it's pretty cold and there are both deserts and areas that get up to 7 meters of rain a year!

The North Island (as far as I've experienced is thus far) is markedly different. It has three times the number of people and is quite developed. It has larger cities and settlements and much of what lies between is productive farmland. It is dotted with volcanoes and - in some areas - sulphur pools, geysers, and hot springs. It is also warmer with popular beaches and surf spots.

New Zealand is a diverse and fascinating country. While it may be small on the world stage, it has so much packed into it - deserts, beaches, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, mountains, rolling hills, agriculture, fishing, fiords... plus all the adventure sports anyone could handle (certainly more than I can!).

Time constraints prevent me from writing much more today but hold on to the promise that I will be back with many more reflections. Just four more days on tour and then four days in Auckland and then back to North America!