About

About Us
& Our Property

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Hokitika

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Built in 1929

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3 Suites, 6 Guests

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Starting $300pn

History

Hokitika . West Coast

New Zealand
est. 1929

Offering an unrivalled friendly welcome and ‘home away from home’ experience we are just a five minute walk from the town centre. We share all our favourite spots and tips for a bespoke tailored time while visiting our cool little town.

We pride ourselves on our large beds, hotel grade mattresses, quality linens, hungarian goose down pillows and duvets ensuring a sumptuous and well rested sleep. Dine at one of our recommended restaurants or prepare a banquet for your family in our fully equipped kitchen.

Relax by the fire in our cosy lounge or chill out in the private infinity beach garden listening to the crashing waves just metres away. The sunset on our front lawn will take your breath away as it lights up the sky and the moon says goodnight dropping slowly into the Tasman Sea.

After dark stroll to the glow worm dell, light a bonfire in our bonfire pit or sink into our stargazing bathtub under the milky way. You will really understand why just one night is never enough.

Leave fully rested, rejuvenated and fuelled for your onward adventures. Your satisfaction is at the heart of our every offering…

This is Drifting Sands.

Don’t die wondering, Book your escape today.

Drifting Sands operates as an exclusive whole house holiday rental. Please get in touch to find out more about how we can cater to your great escape and adventure wish list.

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Guests

CLAIRE CAP SQ

Your Host

Clare O’Connell

Creative, adventurer, designer… Living my best live on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand after over 15 years exploring our amazing planet.

Come and enjoy my wee wonderland and the incredible experiences this beautiful coast serves up on a daily basis. It stole my heart and i’m sure it’ll take a little of yours too.

After just one visit you’ll realise why one night is never enough.

Free Fast Fibre WiFi

wifi

Bespoke Bathroom

BATHROOM

Quality Beds

linens

Sumptuous Linens

MATRESSES

Infinity Beachfront

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Fire Pit

FIREPIT

Stargazing Outdoor Bath

bathtub

Free Parking

free parking

WE ALSO OFFER…

Beachfront Events or

Corporate Off-site Experiences

Reviews

Voted Traveller’s Choice
Top 10% in the World 7 Years In a Row

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PREMIER PARTNER

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Visit HOKITIKA in Style

We Have Vacancy!

Click on the link to the right to book your great escape or
if you have any questions please get in touch
for reservation options.

Book Your Escape

+64 21 0266 5154

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197 Revell Street Hokitika

hello@driftingsands.nz

mylifeisbetterthanaholiday

EXPLORE . DREAM . DISCOVER
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Owner of a wonderland worth sharing. DM for reservation enquiries. Own less + Live More + Travel Well
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If you can dream - and not make dreams your master

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools...
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An exert from one of my Kipling favs.
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#if #RudyardKipling #okaritolagoon #transparent #crystalwaters #periwinkle #nzshells #waterripples #lagoon #waterart #intheflow #breakfree #driftingsands #dreams #triumphanddisaster #ownlesslivemore #love #thetravelbootcamp2020

The white heron or Kotuku is one of our rare treas

The white heron or Kotuku is one of our rare treasures and rarely seen unless you know where they like to hang out.
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Their sole breeding ground in Okarito Lagoon is the largest lagoon in the Southern Hemisphere and well-protected. Elsewhere it is 'He kotuku rerenga tahi' or the bird of single flight, implying something seen perhaps once in a lifetime. They are magnificent seen in close proximity especially when breeding, the bill turns dark grey and long white filamentous plumes extend down their backs. Paired with a gorgeous smash of chartreuse eye make up, there's nothing like a good frocking up to shake that tail feather in mating season.

If you fancy a bit of 'BIRDS ON BIKES' and checking these beauties out in our very back yard there's 2 spots left on our December West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour!
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SIDETRACKS WOMEN offers the very BEST OF THE WEST and the essence of New Zealand beauty over three days of cycling followed by an unforgettable kayaking and walking experience. Match this with an awesome 3 night beachfront experience at #DriftingSandsHokitika
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08 Dec - 12 Dec 2020
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For all the D's check the website and come and play.
www.sidetrackswomen.co.nz/westcoastwilderness
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#okaritolagoon #kotuku #whiteheron #breedingseason #nznature #nzbird #rarebird #westcoastnz #driftingsandshokitika #NativeNZBirds
#nationallycritical #Flywithme #lovewestcoast.nz

📷 : Shot on location at Okarito Lagoon by my fabulous friend @juulian.cc 🤩🙏🏼

Law of Balance – Finding the Middle Way
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If gravity is the glue that holds the universe together, balance is the key that unlocks its secrets. Balance applies to our body, mind and emotions, to all levels of our being. It reminds us that anything we do, we can overdo or underdo.
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If the pendulum of our lives or habits swings too far to one side, it will inevitably swing to the other. You apply the Law of Balance by noticing your imbalances. The Law of Balance assures us that those who give freely, in the spirit of love and generosity, receive in abundance.
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An exert taken from one of my favourite books, a gift from the gorgeous @pattimitchly around 25 years ago and still one of my favs - The 12 Laws of Spirit by Dan Millman
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🧡🧡
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#mypursuitofbalance #danmillman #balance #generosity #abundance #12lawsofspirit #spirtitualjourney #breathwork #coco_de_vizsla #mindfulness #alwayslearning #love #beachlife #dogfriendlynz #spiritanimal #hokitikabeach #blackandwhite #vizslaoftheday #vizsladdict #vizslasofinstagram

“At this moment, it seems even more important to

“At this moment, it seems even more important to bathe our environments with light, art, and beauty.”
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Judy Chicago

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#hokitikabeach #moonset #myfrontlawn #hokitika #tasmansea #westcoastbestcoast ##trvalenz #driftingsandshokitika #lovelife #lifeyourdreams #yournextescape #onenightisneverenough #weloveguests #guestsloveus #bestofnz #dogfriendlynz #comeandstay #beachlifenz

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomp

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
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Lao Tzu

More last light. Last night. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

More last light. Last night.
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Our rich diverse coast spoils us equal measure with light and dark. I love these moody blues, a felted blanket, resting above Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman as last light fades.
Hokitika River reflecting, another day devoured. Another day of absolute gratitude for these spellbinding shows.

Not all design needs to be renowned or groundbreak

Not all design needs to be renowned or groundbreaking - as a creative I feel it’s more about an ambience... an emotionnal connection, form and function, how it solves problems, finds solutions, creates balance or just makes you feel damn good.
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Less is more. Always. Minimising can be hard but it's sooo worth it if you push past the tough... and hey, if it was easy everyone would be doing it right?
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#mypursuitofbalance
#lessismore
#simplifydesign
#decluttering
#declutter
#declutteryourlife
#clutterfree
#livingsimply
#livewithless
#stressless
#organisation
#organisationtips
#getorganised
#getstarted
#getmotivated
#thetimeisnow
#motivation
#minimise
#minimalist
#minimalism
#refuse
#reuse
#littlechanges
#onestepatatime👣

Last light. Last night.
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#driftingsands
#driftingsandshokitika
#lovemondays
#ownless
#westcoastwonderland
#livemore
#comewithme
#travelwell
#lifesshort
#lovelife
#ownyourlife
#createyourbestlife
#lifesajourney
#itsthechoicesyoumake
#reflections
#nzsunset
#hokitikabeach
#ocean
#beach
#nature
#cloudphotography
#waves
#nzphotography
#moody
#travelbootcamp2020

The birds are back... Who is your favourite??
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My front lawn is always full of surprises...this lil guy showed up one morning - do you know his name?
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You can vote for your top five incredible and unique native birds. Choose a flightless wonder, a long-distance traveler, or a favourite from your own backyard!
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Unfortunately, many of New Zealand's native birds are in trouble and need your help. About 75% of land birds and 90% of seabirds are threatened or at risk of extinction. Their habitats are being destroyed or degraded by introduced predators, pollution, human development, and climate change.
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Use Bird of the Year 2020 to get to know our amazing native NZ birds. Cast your vote
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Head to www.birdoftheyear.org.nz to cast your vote and make a donation to give nature a voice, but get in quick - there's only one week left to vote!
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#nzbirds
#birdsofnz
#birdsofnewzealand
#birdsonearth
#bestbirds
#nzbirdoftheyear
#birdoftheyear
#natgeowild
#OurNZEnvironment
#best_birds_planet
#wildgeography
#nuts_about_birds
#birdsofinstagram
#your_best_birds
#birdphotography

What do you see?? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Anot

What do you see??
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Another from my moonset series is my 'Seahorse & the Moon'
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Since I was a little person these have aways been my fav animal - on par with the epic manta ray. Did you know...unlike most other fish, seahorses are monogamous and mate for life. Rarer still, these cute lil critters are among the only animal species on Earth in which the male bears the unborn young.
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Male seahorses are equipped with a funny wee pouch front bum. When mating, the female pops her eggs in his pouch, and the male fertilizes them internally. He then carries them until they hatch, then literally shoots out fully formed mini seahorses into the water. Up to 2000 of them but sadly only about 2 in ever 10 live. Seriously worth a youtube watch, it's the coolest process ever.
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#seahorse
#malebirth
#maledad
#nightphotography
#themoonandthehorse
#seahorsesofinstagram
#seahorselove
#fishofinstagram
#moonscape
#moonsign
#fortune
#moonset
#hokitikabeach
#hokitika
#oceanandsky
#lovephotography
#clouds
#love
#travelbootcamp2020
#travelbootcampcommunity

"JUMP. ...they said. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .

"JUMP. ...they said.
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...and the universe will catch you! ...they said."
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One fine sentence ...uttered by four fine lady boss's.
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So, teamed with a vision, a gut feeling and an epic support network to smash the fear and extreme overwhelm to smithereens...
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I did.
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That was 8 weeks ago, it's been one amazing journey ...and it's really only just begun. Setting goals, working backwards and breaking everything into the minuscule of micro steps, maps and pathways - kinda like an extreme close up, kinda like this rock... make it all seem possible.
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The fun is in the learning. The learning is in the doing.
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Here's to you my bad ass, kick ass, fabulous mentors.
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And to all of you, continents apart, my peers and peeps... how awesome is this train we're on??!!
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#travelbootcamp2020
#thetravelbootcampcommunity
#thecreativeseries

LOVE TRUMPS HATE. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fing

May that BLUE sky shine through strong. ⠀⠀⠀

May that BLUE sky shine through strong.
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Especially today. 💙
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And one of my favs from my main merican man...
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“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
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― Steve Jobs

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#trustyourgut
#followyourintuition
#lifesshort
#stevejobs
#apple
#lovelife
#voteblue
#ownyourlife
#createyourbestlife
#ownlesslivemoretravelwell
#lifesajourney
#itsthechoicesyoumake
#lovewestcoast.nz
#beach
#nature
#outsidemorethaninside
#liveinnature
#naturewins
#hokitikabeach
#travelbootcamp2020
#naturephotography

“You should love what you do so much that you do

“You should love what you do so much that you don’t want to part with it under any conditions.”

🦅🌔💛

Another absolute beauty in our back yard.
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Our stunning Lake Coleridge landscape was formed over millions of years by massive glaciers, earthquakes, wind, rain, frost, snow and volcanoes.
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Early Maori called the lake Whakamatau. It was an important food gathering stop, a kinda restaurant full of eels and birds for people crossing the Southern Alps in search of greenstone (pounamu) and gold on the West Coast.
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I shot this aerial flying through the Rakaia Gorge en route to the awesome Centennial Cabin on the Mathias River where I camped out alone, completely off-grid for 4 days, in the middle of this magical wonderland. But that's another story for another day...
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#lakecolridge
#rakaia
#rakaiagorge
#nzbeauty
#cessna206
#wildernesswings
#westcoastnz
#adventurenz
#aerialphotography
#travelnzwithme
#travelnz
#travelnzsouthisland
#travelnzmyway
#offgridnz
#naturephotographylovers
#nzwilderness
#westcoastsouthernalps

This is a shout out to all the shift workers, clea

This is a shout out to all the shift workers, cleaners and peeps behind the scenes that keep our businesses humming.
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Without my incredible two cleaners who keep my three properties sparkling clean, who keep my on my toes and make sure our properties are always ready to welcome our guests.
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With all the challenges and changes and ways that covid has impacted my business they have stood by me and my gratitude is endless.
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I always praise them and without them I wouldn't be able to handle all the demands this industry brings and continue to push, grow, build and make... keeping my business at the forefront of offering epic experiences and an amazing location.
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Love you my fabulous Teresa and Rhonda. Thank you a kazillion times for keeping me and my beloved Drifting Sands in check! They wouldn't let me photograph them so here's a sweet pic of some awesome clouds on our front lawn.
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Today I want to celebrate not only my cleaners and their bloody marvellous work but all shift workers out there, our everyday heroes, who keep the essentials going 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You Rock!!
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A little plug too for the awesome Deputy App which enables us to seamlessly all work together remotely via out phones, check in and check out shifts, manages the schedule and $$ too.
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We love you @DeputyApp !
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#deputyapp #shiftworkheroes #cleaners #hokitiks #lovewestcoast.nz #everydayheroes #lovelife #gratitude #love #appreciation #lookafteryourteam #drifitngsandshokitika #travelbootcamp2020

Slowing down to speed up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Two of my greatest loves. Flying & the West Coast.

Two of my greatest loves. Flying & the West Coast.
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It's a little harder to get to some of the best places on the planet but always worth it.
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The 25 minute scenic flight from Christchurch International Airport across the Southern Alps is one of jaw dropping spectacular. The mountains pass and rivers with views straight down to Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman is pure beauty on a clear day.
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I love the final decent down into Hokitika, the home if New Zealand's first Airline - and quite possibly the cutest little airport in the country.
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AirNZ operate two flights a day from Christchurch and this little airport services out entire West Coast. A must do if you want to come and explore out gorgeous wonderland.
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Getting here is just part of the adventure.

Aoraki/Mt Cook might be our highest Peak in the ce

Aoraki/Mt Cook might be our highest Peak in the central Southern Alps but there are a further 23 named peaks above 3,000 metres and over 500 glaciers.
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This is one my favourites shots taken of La Perouse which sits at 3,078 meters. The light and snowdrifts and sharp face make for awesome contrast.
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The best way to check out this playground is in a Cessna 206 and curve your way through all the peaks and around Aoraki and back via both main glaciers 🙏🏼🙌🏼😎

There is so much beauty in honouring those that ca

There is so much beauty in honouring those that came before us and understanding where you come from.
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This is my fabulous Granny and Grandad hiking Tasman Glacier in the late 1940's and me hiking Fox Glacier 2017. I love Granny is wearing the one thing I just can't leave the house without. My hat.
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So, here they say you're not a 'real West Coaster' unless you're born on the coast. Alas, somehow the universe delivered me here and for the first time in a life of well travelled steps around the globe, it felt like home.
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Naturally there was great trepidation at the time in making the big jump from London to Hokitika. What was this place about and why was it calling my name. How would I handle the transfer from a city of 9 million people to 3.5 thousand after chasing cities for over 15 years?
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The signs and open doors leading me home to NZ were abundant and I first found out Hokitika meant 'The Place of Return'. Nice.
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Believe it or not the first week I arrived someone told me I wouldn't last two weeks! But my gut knew I was right where I was supposed to be, even if it felt like a million miles from anywhere.
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Here's to walking through open doors. Here's to following your intuition, your gut... and most of all, trusting. You might just end up right where you're supposed to be.
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Even if it did take me 6 years and a world pandemic to really realise it haha!
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The raw power of mother nature on the Coast is unrivalled and you know you've found somewhere specular when you miss leaving it - and you love coming back. It is not something you can fake or pretend to feel. It's sits in your heart and it gets under your skin in a way that just makes you smile. Smile BIG.
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Damn, it feels good to be home.

The real work is in pushing forward, especially wh

The real work is in pushing forward, especially when I think I’m just figuring something out.
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Every step on the path is meaningful, even the ones that make me feel like i'm going backwards or they're taking too much time - arghhh...
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I gotta remember they're all still a forward step in the sense that it is what I must do to move to the next level. Microsteps all the way...

Massive gratitude to the inspiring side kicks and epic peeps I have in my gang keeping me on track!
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Once we have seen something, we cannot unseen it, once we have moved through something we can never really go back.
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Let the journey begin...
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#microsteps #forwardsnotbackwards #challenge #dontstoplearning #oceanlife #getoutside #mypursuitofbalance #journeyon #learningisinthedoing #startnow #lovelife #nodeadminutes #ownlesslivemoretravelwell #travelbootcamp2020

Ever wondered what a Glacier Heli-Hike involves??

Ever wondered what a Glacier Heli-Hike involves??
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Firstly an epic scenic Helicopter transfer onto the Glacier.
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Followed by a phenomenal experience climbing, hiking and crawling through mother nature's incredible Fox Glacier and her ice caves.
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Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe moves between 3-5meters a day and runs 280mtrs deep. If you're on the west coast and the weather is primo this experience smashes it's way straight to the top of the bucket list.
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See if you can spot the hikers and ice climbers to give you some scale of size of this stunning 13 kilometre-long glacier. Huge thanks to #foxglacierguidingnz and #glacierhelicopters for this awesome day.
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From start to finish it was seamless. Organised and executed by amazing crew, pilots and guides that geek out on the science behind these incredible sculptures really make the hike something else.
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Small groups, awesome equipment and around 4 hours of breathtaking exploring in one of the few places in the world you can do this will make you realise... This is living!
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Seriously something you'll only ever regret not doing.
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#foxglacierguidingnz #glacierhelicopters #travel #explore #nature #newzealand #glacier #nz #foxglacier #wanderlust #nzmustdo #southisland #newzealandguide #mountains #purenewzealand #discoverearth #lonelyplanet #landscape #newzealandfinds #destinationnz #helihikefoxglacier #helihike #dosomethingnewnz #backyourbackyard #explore #glaciercountrynz #WestCoastNZ #travelbootcamp2020

“My creative process encourages the creation of

“My creative process encourages the creation of random flaws. This is where the magic happens and true creativity reigns”
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#kingdomoftonga #whaleswim #whales #ocean #naturelovers #humpbacks #humpback #humpbackwhale #humpbackwhales #sealife #oceananimals #oceancreatures #seaanimals #cetacean #marinemammals #oceanlove #wildlifelovers

Inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere

Inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere if your eyes are open.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Another of my fav Aerial Glacier Shots. More designed to look at than writing about :)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you have the chance, are in Franz Josef and the weather is shinning don't die wondering and get amongst the glaciers in a helicopter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#helihike #heliservices.nz #southernalpnz #newzealand #franzjosefglaciernz #franzjosef #franzjosefglacierguides #skydivefranz #travel #nz #nature #southisland #mountains #wanderlust #hiking #adventure #travelphotography #travelgram #snow #nzmustdo #photography #franzjosefglacierguides #roadtrip #wannawinarefund #helicopter #foxglacier #explore #southislandnz #travelbootcamp2020

Another fabulous day awakes in wonderland. ⠀⠀

Another fabulous day awakes in wonderland.
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Awesome breakfast with lovely returning guests who just had to come back. One of those days it's so hard to be glued to the Mac with admin screaming my name...
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Alas the reward is waiting right there if i manage to smash it out.
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#outsidemorethaninside #driftingsandshokitika #myfrontlawn #gratitude #ownless #livemore #travelwell #hokitikabeach #loveyourlife #summerdays #mypursuitofbalance

And just when you're feeling overwhelmed trying to

And just when you're feeling overwhelmed trying to keeping up with everything an email from the USA drops into your inbox to make you smile and remember it's the little things...
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Greetings Claire! I stayed at your place about 3 years ago and had some of your Gran's Lemon Honey - I saved the link for the recipe...but all this time later... ?? Any chance you'd be willing to share it with me - I'd love to give it a try. Hope business is still going well for you despite the pandemic!
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Cheers,
Abigail
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This is pic is my wee Scotty Gran. All 5ft of fabulous and one of my favourite photos of her... anyone who matches their twinset with their wheels AND heels is slaying it in my book!
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She was an incredible inspiration and leaves behind many a legacy, but one in particular via my breakfast offering is her famous Lemon Honey. I have even had guests return years later for this epic sweet treat.
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I love it leaves as lasting impression as does my dear Gran. For any that missed it, loved it, lost it or want it back here you go...
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INGREDIENTS
125g Butter
1 cup of Chelsea Jam Setting Sugar
1 cup of Sugar
Zest and juice of 4 lemons and two oranges
4 eggs beaten
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METHOD
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1. Heat the butter on low in a saucepan. When the butter has melted, add the sugars, lemon juice and zest and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
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2. Pour a little of this mixture into the beaten eggs and mix with an electric beater on low.
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3. Pour it back into the large saucepan and return to the heat. Stir for about ten minutes until it thickens - It will thicken more as it starts too cool.  4. Enjoy and devour on a slice of twice cooked Vogels toast.
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#lemonhoney #recipe #love #homemadebreakfast #drifitngsandshokitika #travelbootcamp2020

“Our quality of life is inextricably linked to t

“Our quality of life is inextricably linked to the health of the environment.” Neri Oxman
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This 80 year old instafamous 'symbol of determination' started off life as a fence post, has survived a chainsaw attack and severe flooding and it's still hanging in there...
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We are only given what we can handle and we are never really alone. Even this lone tree has its own worldwide fanbase.
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When I wonder how it is even possible to balance more job roles than there are hours in the day I have to remember that difficult situations are opportunities to be our best selves, hone our skills and rise to the occasion. Breathe in our best intentions and let the rest go with an exhale.
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So here's to #thatwanakatree, determination, breathwork and hanging in there.
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Everything is always turning into something else, and as always, trust... the universe has my back.
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#thatwanakatree #breathwork #twoblueducks #determination #keepongoing #everyminutecounts #resilience #wanaka #newzealand #nzroady #travel #lakewanaka #southisland #nzmustdo #lake #hiking #roadtrip #wanderlust #landscape #purenewzealand #travelphotography #adventure #photography #wanakatree #southislandnz #newzealandguide #instatravel #destinationnz #travelbootcamp2020

Love the light in this aerial - shot on location i

Love the light in this aerial - shot on location in the Southern Alps of NZ while flying through Te Poutini National Park. Would you believe there are actually over 500 glaciers up here?!
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One of my all time fav shots, I called this 'Silence' and it was well stoked it was a #yourshot winner with #natgeo the year I took it.
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Sooooo looking forward to getting back in the air soon with @heliservices.nz flying over the Franz Josef Glacier and landing on the snow with exceptional views of the Alps - the best bit, getting to share it with my bro - and bestie returning home from L.A.
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Escaping West Hollywood after 6yrs owning the cali sun and smashing goals I figured this would be a pretty awesome welcome home adventure.
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Can't wait!!
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#heliservices.nz #southernalpnz #newzealand #yourshot #natgeo #franzjosefglacier #franzjosef #travel #nz #nature #southisland #mountains #wanderlust #hiking #adventure #travelphotography #travelgram #snow #nzmustdo #photography #franzjosefglacierguides #roadtrip #wannawinarefund #helicopter #foxglacier #explore #southislandnz #travelbootcamp2020

We need to shift to a more thoughtful, balanced va

We need to shift to a more thoughtful, balanced value system before we can produce any meaningful change.
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I question what true value really is, what makes me grin stupidly every day? From the inside out and the outside in.
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If the same actions only produce the same results,
how do we find that elusive provocation to disrupt.
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To disrupt.
To forge new actions.
To receive new results.
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...and more value in everything we do...?
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#mypursuitofbalance #provocation #switchitup #change #newresults #independent #creativechallenge #disrupt #loveyourlife #workhardlifestronger #beachlife #mountainlife #tourism #followyourintuition #msu #bringiton #beachwalks #sunrises #travelbasecamp2020 #travelbootcamp2020

I'm in, are you? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Big l

I'm in, are you?
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Big love coming at you this week thankyou!
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May the best partner come your way 🙌🏼 🧡 🙌🏼
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@proctergamble and @unilever
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#thankyoutotheworld

Four years ago today in Vava'u, I captured this am

Four years ago today in Vava'u, I captured this amazing calf swimming with the gracious humpbacks whales in the Kingdom of Tonga.
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My experience sharing the deep pacific with these absolute beauties is as emotional today as it was in the water with them then. A whale encounter is surreal and something you feel coarse through your entire body. These giants are so graceful and aware... a feeling of calm, beauty and awe encompasses you.
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My first swim of the day I was fortunate to share the deep with this playful wee inquisitive calf as it's mother floated in the deep below.
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Where else in nature does a mother in the wild let her baby adventure and play with such trust?
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Dolphin Pacific, the incredible company that organised my trip were second to none AMAZING! Today I feel for all the staff and the hardship bought on by the Covid knock-on effecting us all in tourism throughout the world.
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Alistair, Darren and Jasmine launched a funding campaign to raise money for their staff suffering with no income due to the borders remaining closed.
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As a 'thank you' they are offering some of their incredible files that can be made into a print for anyone that would like one. Hundreds of times more fabulous than my first image here.
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👈🏼 for their epic images!!
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They have also produced a beautiful piece of whale song, collected in Tonga which they will be happy to send as well. Please click on the link below for more details.
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As of today they have raised £5,930 of their £10,000 goal. To send some love their way please use the link below...
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https://gf.me/u/ymkms4
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🐋🐋🐋❤️
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#kingdomoftonga #whaleswim #whales #ocean #naturelovers #humpbacks #humpback #humpbackwhale #humpbackwhales #sealife #oceananimals #oceancreatures #seaanimals #cetacean #marinemammals #oceanlove #wildlifelovers

Welcome to my other swimming pool.
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Some of you may know the pool is my favourite way to start my day with 1km underwater. It's like a stretch, yoga, breathwork and dance class all rolled into one - with my tunes plugged in and my mind cleared there's no better way to bring on a demanding day.
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This however is my other pool, just ten minutes south of Drifting Sands is Lake Mahinapua. The perfect summer cool off in the middle of a hot summers day. I like to swim out to the white bouy and back and this year i'm so looking forward to Coco jumping in with me.
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It's also my fav kayak escape. Just fifteen minutes to the right you end up at the beginning of mirror creek, lush wetlands, incredible birdlife - the name speaks for itself. This month the Majestic Kotuku (White Heron) start to gather for their breeding season both here and down at Okarito Lagoon.
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I took one of my gorgeous guests out for a paddle and shot these just as we came out of lockdown.
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I know i'm so fortunate to say this, and with such gratitude... in the 4 years I've been sharing this spot with family, friends or guests ... the true beauty is, every time, we've had it all to ourselves.
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#lakemahinapua
#nzhellhole #whatlockdown
#westcoastbestcoast
#driftingsandshokitika
#travelphotographersofig
#vacationgoals
#uniqueaccommodation
#bestofnz
#holidayherethisyear
#travelnzwithme
#travelnzmyway
#naturephotographylovers
#nzwilderness
#nzwildlifephotography

Can you see yourself hiking or cycling along this

Can you see yourself hiking or cycling along this pathway...?
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...but no one to do it with?
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Don't want to go alone...
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One of my clients 'Sidetracks Women' support you with a ready-made, all-female group and an experienced female tour leader to help you make the most of your adventure.
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Your only limit is your fitness, not your age and they can help you with your fitness!
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If you're keen i have just heard they have a few spaces left on their tour next month... get in touch with Angelika directly for more info - info@sidetracks.co.nz
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...and you can be the one taking these shots!
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www.sidetrackswomen.co.nz
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#sidetracks #womenonly #womennz #adventurewomen #nzcycletrail #westcoastwildernesstrail #pukaki #mtcook #biketouring #cycletrails #newzealand #cycling #backyourbackyard
#NZCycleTrail #mountainbiking #CentralOtagoNZ #newzealand #cyclenz #nzmustdo #purenewzealand #newzealandguide #ig_newzealand #destinationnz #discover_newzealand #bestnewzealand #cyclinglife #backyourbackyard #getoutdoors #bikepacking #gottalovenz

“I always try to push myself into the unknown, n

“I always try to push myself into the unknown, not knowing exactly where I’ll land.”
Lara Bohinc
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Most of the time it totally ends up where the magic happens that you couldn't even write about 🙂
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But sometimes, it results in totally just wanting to help everybody and not being able to say NO and taking on too much. Saying yes is so much more fun but saying no is more powerful...
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How do you balance this because the more i try the more i fail?? 😩
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My pursuit of balance continues...

🧡
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#mypursuitofbalance #lovemylife #diveintotheunknown #sunrisesandsunsets #balance #livelikeyourtravelling #daringgreatly #thetravelbootcampcommunity
#thetravelbootcamp2020 #beachlife #driftingsandshokitika #nzbirds #gulls #seagulls #sunset #westcoast #hokitikabeach

“Intuition propels me through the design process

“Intuition propels me through the design process.”
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Mornings like this I wake with so much energy anything is possible ...I laugh at how much the sun and light energises me ...I feel like road runner about to smash out a load of new creative inspirations around the property on my never ending list.
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Utmost gratitude always for living in this unspoilt paradise, flanked but the Southern Alps and the great Tasman Sea.
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#msu
#nodeadminutes
#ownlesslivemoretravelwell
#stayhomebecreative
#workplaylove
#noticewonderconnect
#thetravelbootcampcommunity
#consciouscreativity
#yayforearth
#wanderoutyonder
#holidayherethisyear
#vacationgoals
#travelphotographersofig
#theartistsway
#searchwandercollect
#ethicalinfluencers
#vacationvibes
#wanderlustandsea
#sunrisenz
#naturephotographylovers
#travelnz
#westcoastnz
#driftingsandshokitika
#hokitikabeach

One thing about a good New Zealand Roady is all th

One thing about a good New Zealand Roady is all the epic bridges and i love geeking out on the engineering and builds.
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This is the Clifden Suspension Bridge, a historic bridge built in 1899 and right where I happened to stumble across a gorgeous wee puppy who decided to come home with me.
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Often called the Iron Bridge it spans the Waiau River and is 111.5 m long and located almost at the bottom of the South Island on the edge of Fiordland.
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Here's to #msu and the gold that finds you along the way.
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Here's to my golden Coco pup now 9 weeks old and making me laugh, learn and love more every day... hanging out with her is just awesome.
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#clifdenbridge #nzroady #nzbridges #vizsladdict #vizslaoftheday #ontheroad #lovelife
#mypursuitofbalance #cocothevizsla #driftingsandshokitika #vizsla #weratedogs #vizslasofinstagram #vizslagram #vizslalove #dogsofinstagram #hungarianvizsla #vizslalife #vizslapuppy #magyarvizsla #vizsladog #vizsladaily #vizslaofinstagram #feature #dogstagram #vizslalover #dogoftheday #velcrovizsla #puppiesofinstagram

Time for a little Sunday celebration and reflectio

Time for a little Sunday celebration and reflection...
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the constant hard graft is so worth it when you receive little wins that reward your journey.
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Drifting Sands Beachfront Accommodation received an official
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RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
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...from @HotelsCombined - the worlds largest hotel search engine.
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"Drifting Sands Beachfront Accommodation has consistently produced a high satisfaction rating among guests and travel industry experts and received 298 reviews earning an impressive guest rating of 9 out of 10 on HotelsCombined."

This exclusive collection of highly-rated accommodations have been chosen using a strict set of criteria:
- quality and consistency of reviews
- the absence of recurring or unresolved issues with customers
- popularity of the property
- the overall resulting score
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Now only to let those borders open and start welcoming gorgeous international guests again as well as the absolutely awesome Kiwi guests coming through 😊️❤️
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#traveltheworld #hotelscombined #loveyourlife #loveyourwork #lovewhatyoudo #recognitionofexcellenceaward #okarito #driftingsandshokitika #bandb #beachfront #beachlife #rewardandrecognition #hardgraft #nzaccommodation #boutiqueb&b #uniqueaccommodation #award #travelnz
#weloveguests #guestsloveus

This time of year I’m usually in Byron Bay with

This time of year I’m usually in Byron Bay with my bestie enjoying geeking out on all our favourite things; podcasts, puzzles, pinot noir, mornings in the ocean, afternoons by the pool, dinners on the rooftop, long beach walks, whale watching, banter, dreaming, living and laughing.
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I love the long uninterrupted beaches like every grain of sand is in perfect place, the pictures the tide makes in the sand and the whole vista has been graphic designed.
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I call Byron Bay my Sun.
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I call my own front lawn my Moon.
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Equally I love the wild, raw driftwood strewn beach full of sculptures. The ever changing waves and power of the great Tasman Sea, the black iron sand sometimes completely flawless and other days covered in treasure, serpentine, quartz, gold sparkling rocks, black pebbles and our beloved pounamu - if your stone finds you.
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So I call it balance... we need both to equally appreciate and adore both.
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It was gorgeous to walk my ever changing front lawn this morning as she donned her Byron Bay cloak like the true chameleon she is and gave me a glimpse of what I was missing...
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Just for one day. 🙏🏼❤️
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Can you tell which is which?
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#mypursuitofbalance #balance #love #byronbay #casuarina #hokitika #beachlife #oceanlife #lovemylife #pinkskies #daybreak #sunset #aotearoa #nodeadminutes #liveyourbestlife #westcoastbestcoast

I write about #momentsthatmakememories and there i

I write about #momentsthatmakememories and there is many that come my way in my industry. This one in particular extra special and captured by chance.
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As per, on a gorgeous evening my camera is in hand capturing the many rays as the sun put on its spectacular lightshow.
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The silhouette of my guests enjoying the evening caught my eye and my trusty nikon captured this #moment.
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In the morning I offered it to them as a #memory of their travels. Their surprise and gratitude was beyond words...
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This very morning after the sunset they found out they had made their first 'little person'. I was the first to know and they made plans to return in to Drifting Sands in 5 years with their new little one.
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Just before lockdown I received this gorgeous wee note and celebration of the birth of Tijn on the 8th of Feb.
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Here's to borders free flowing again by then and welcoming Charlotte, Ron & Tinh back from the Netherlands again.
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❤️🧡💛
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#momentsthatmakememories #thisisliving #travel #love #nzbaby #conceivedinnz #kiwibaby #beachlife #sunsets #hokitika #driftingsandshokitika #travelbootcamp2020

It’s 2020, and if that’s taught us anything, i

It’s 2020, and if that’s taught us anything, it’s that business as usual is out the window – we must forge bold new paths forward.
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Hey @proctergamble and @unilever this is an invitation to partner with @thankyouaus to change the world.
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I'm in, are you?
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🙏🏼
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#thankyoutotheworld
#thankyounz
#thankyouaus
#thankyou

Sometimes things happen that make me wonder if tha

Sometimes things happen that make me wonder if that theory about how we only exist in someone else imagination might just be true.
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#cloudpictures #cloudpicture #imagination #sky #skypicture #skylovers #landscape #landscapesofinstagram #naturelovers #sunsetlovers #sunset #sunsetphoto #sunset_pics #sunsetlover #landscapephoto #landscapephotography #queenstown #nzskies #pacman #wondering

Alphonso is a duck of mystery. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Alphonso is a duck of mystery.
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He arrived alone out of nowhere at Lake Rotoiti in the South Island of New Zealand in 2015.
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I'm thinking how could he not have a flock of fluffing ladies following him looking that damn hot??
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This breed is believed to be only privately owned and are native to east Asia... do you know what these hotties are called?
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#alphonso #newzealand #birdsonearth #bird #birdsofinstagram #birdstagram #earlybirds #instabird #birdphotography #instabirds #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nuts_about_birds #fly #kings_birds #wildbird #your_best_birds #allmightybirds #Mandarinduck #birdlife #natgeowild #birdnerd #love #wildgeography #naturephotography #wildlife_shots

Early in the morning the hermit wakes, hearing Th

Early in the morning the hermit wakes, hearing
The roots of the fir tree stir beneath his floor.
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Someone is there. That strength buried
In earth carries up the summer world.
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When a man loves a woman, he nourishes her.
Dancers strew the lawn with the light of their feet.
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When a woman loves the earth, she nourishes it.
Earth nourishes what no one can see.
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🌿
Robert Bly
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#driftingsandshokitika #westcoastnz #hokitika #handstand #beach #sea #nature #travel #photography #waves #sunset #love #water #adventure #instagood #sky #beachlife #travelphotography #landscape #oceanlove #oceanview #sea #photooftheday #oceanlover #naturephotography #wavephotography #oceanbeach #photographer #oceanlife #nikon

The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse

The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese.
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But somehow...
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I think I ended up winning both.
🌅
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Life's good mamma.
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❤️
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#lovemylife #lovemymamma #vizsladdict #vizslaoftheday
#mypursuitofbalance #cocothevizsla #driftingsandshokitika #vizsla #weratedogs #vizslasofinstagram #vizslagram #vizslalove #dogsofinstagram #hungarianvizsla #vizslalife #vizslapuppy #magyarvizsla #vizsladog #vizsladaily #vizslaofinstagram #feature #dogstagram #vizslalover #dogoftheday #velcrovizsla #puppiesofinstagram #instadog #ilovemyvizsla #vizslaobsessed #love

My good friend Ben is an 'off the hook' illustrato

My good friend Ben is an 'off the hook' illustrator.
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Like a true creative his talents don't stop and the pen and ink. His podcast Arrest all Mimics and books have earned him a well deserv'd global fanbase.
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He's just released few awesome new books and I couldn't help but share the love...
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Isolation Watch: Falling Apart in the Pandemic
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Written in the testing intensity of the COVID-19 lockdown, this black comedy, observational, fictitious diary is a peek behind the curtains at the behaviour of generation on-demand in unprecedented circumstances. It was written as both a time-capsule and personal therapy… Out now as a digital only release on all good e-book platforms.
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YA MUM and Other Stories from the Backstreets of Britain
😜
A rancid anthology of 21 illustrated short stories, each one based on an iconic British street ‘artefact’; Mattress, cigarette butt, glove on a fence, single shoe in the street, etc. Released October 22nd and the title will also be available in e-book and audiobook format.
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I know Covid has had a massive impact on my life and if you're keen to hear how the pandemic effected his amazing creativity the first one to DM me with their creative take on Covid gets a digital copy of Isolation Watch: Falling Apart in the Pandemic

You can check out Ben’s awesome work here:
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www.bentallon.com
www.bentallonwriter.com
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#bentallon #bookstagram #books #bookreview #bookreviews #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #author #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #handdrawn #handlettering #bookcover #booklover #bookworm #drawing #illustrator #shortstories #shortstory #writer #writersofinstagram #writersofig #inkdrawing #streets #urbanart

On a little farm, down a big road facing the great

On a little farm, down a big road facing the great Southern Alps is a magical little hideaway called Walnut Tree Cottage.
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This is Clementyne the Alpaca. She's queen of all the amazing rescue animals and friends including her girlfriend Skyish the Sheep, Benji the Lorikeet, Charlie the dog and the cats, geese, ducks and chooks to name a few...
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If you're looking for a unique family experience which is so more than just a cottage homestay for the night then get in touch with the gorgeous Karen and see if you might chance upon a rare available reservation with this beautiful family and their pets. I could have shared awesome pics of them all but that would take away the surprise of meeting them all yourself!
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This is the kind of experience that money can't buy and one of the little gems we have hidden in our stunning landscapes.
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#walnuttreecottage #homestay #farmstay #gigglesand laughter #animlas #rescuepets #southislandnz #thisisliving #darfield #alpaca #sheep #lorikeet #chooks #ducks #geese #charlie

Our bonfires are pretty epic. 🔥 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Our bonfires are pretty epic. 🔥
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Nothing beats a a bonfire and sky on fire in unison. 🔥🌅
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Except one thing.
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Your brothers wedding.
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❤️
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Our first family wedding and a gorgeous day I'd been looking forward to for over a year. Sadly Covid fucked that up. Sorry for the language but not sorry. Still hurts deep not being able to celebrate and share Carley and Aaron's amazing day with them.
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In the grand scheme of things it's a small loss compared to what many in the world have suffered. Still our own losses are relative. Family time is family time.
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Swapping the Shrilanken Honeymoon for an epic South Island adventure meant we got to share the best bonfires, sunsets and celebrate their awesome day at mine.
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Massive love and congrats to @aaron.oconnell.33 & @carley_lockie ❤️ 6 months this week... Love you both so much! 😍
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#love #family #wedding #brother #sisterinlaw #waihibeach #nzwedding #bonfire #celebrate #sunsets #dayfoit #celebrate #congratulations🎉

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever w

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
― Leonardo da Vinci
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Just because we can't fly internationally doesn't mean we can't take flight in our own back yard!
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This sunrise flight over the Southern Alps was like flying through a pastel painting - watching the day wake up in our own fantasyland. Flying with Ben in his SuperCessna over the past 7 years has been a beautiful introduction to over 500 glaciers, mountain gardens, stunning peaks and glacier lakes. The Te Poutinu National Park is breathtaking and a 5 star experience every single time whatever route you take.
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#tepoutininationalpark #wildernesswings #nzwilderness #aerialphotography #nzphotography #cessna206 #rakaiariver #southernalpsnz #nzwestcoast #pinksunrise #mountainsunrise #whitcombepass #flynz #wintersun #nznature 3livelife #flywithme #driftingsandshokitika #thisisliving #chaseyourdreams #dowhatyouloveeveryday #majestic #nzbeauty #magicalmoment #wakeupwiththeworld #sunrise #mytimeofday

“What do we think we’re doing accumulating lik

“What do we think we’re doing accumulating like we’ll never die, when in reality most of our possessions will outlive us?”
- MJ Tyson
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The beauty and power of our ever changing West Coast landscapes outweigh any instant gratification from a material purchase . Our playground is so expanse and ever changing the very same location can have more looks in one day than a Parisian runway. The largest of the West Coast lakes, Lake Mapourika is a glacier formation from the last ice age.
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Under two hours from Drifting Sands it's an epic fishing, kayaking and swimming spot. The thing I love most about this stunner is that 99% of the time you literally get it all to yourself.
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Put it on your next West Coast Adventure and find via What3Words at ///sorry.bottler.dragon
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#outsidemorethaninside #what3words #lakemapourika #westcoastnz #nzlandscapeds #nzphotography #milkyway #whateveryouradventure #playoutside #nzoutside #drifitngsandshokitika #travelbootcamp2020 #lovelove #wonderland #thisisliving #ownlesslivemoretravelwell #nodeadminutes #comeplayatmyplace #nzmilkyway
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Milky Way image credit to @aluisiobezerra

The pursuit of balance continues. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The pursuit of balance continues.
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🧡
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Finding Coco was a journey I knew the universe delivered to me... but nothing, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer wonder, learning, loving and balance it would bring.
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Oh my god, it's only been two weeks and sorry I am that dog mamma already hahaha...
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🧡
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It's about finding that balance where you have one foot in the familiar, one foot in the unfamiliar.
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If you have two feet in the unfamiliar it's overwhelming.
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If you have two feet in the familiar then there's just boredom.
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It's about having both.
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- Humble the Poet
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🧡
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#mypursuitofbalance #vizsladdict #travelbootcamp2020 #becarefulwhatyouaskfor #camoflage #rust #bark #cocothevizsla #balance #vizslaoftheday #puppy #magyarvizsla #vizsladog #dogs #vizsladaily #vizslaofinstagram #velcrodog #feature #dogstagram #vizslalover #dogoftheday #vizslas #velcrovizsla #puppiesofinstagram #instadog#ilovemyvizsla #pointer #vizslaobsessed #doglife #puppylove

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