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"No, life cannot be understood flat on a page. It has to be lived; a person has to get out of his head, has to fall in love, has to memorize poems, has to jump off bridges into rivers, has to stand in an empty desert and whisper sonnets under his breath... We get one story, you and I, and one story alone." - Donald Miller
New Zealand felt like cracking open a good book. We got a week to ourselves with nothing but the open road, a few maps, our thoughts and each other. This magical little island reminded me to look up at God and smile more. It reminded me that life is about so much more than being tapped into social media and my email that never stops 'bing'ing' at me. It reminded me to look over at my husband and give him more spontaneous big wet kisses. It was a place that put me back in touch with how minor I am in the big scheme of it all. How I am merely a tree in a forest of other wonderful beautiful big giant growing trees. Traveling always has a way of doing that. That is one of the major reasons why I need it so much in my life.
I also became very aware of the reality that apparently God made a few too many sheep amidst this whole "creating the world" thing and somehow they all ended up on the South Island of New Zealand. We're talking sh*t tons of sheep. straight up ridiculous amounts of sheep. I also learned how to say "Fish n' Chips" with a New Zealand accent. Just pretend you are an Aussie and then put a sock in your mouth and say Fish n' Chips and you've got a Kiwi accent. I learned that the people in New Zealand are some of the kindest in all the land; and that people are EXTRA nice to you in a vintage kombi. I also discovered my heaven is part New Zealand. yep. that's right, it is hands down the most beautiful place I have ever been in all my life. I am not a landscape photographer, I like people, so I do this resplendent little island no justice in the picturesque department, so I will just leave it at this.... you must go for yourself and experience what a touch of heaven on earth is like.
Also, please show a bit of extra grace on me in this set.. my hair is a wreck and I sort of always look like I have that "I just rolled out of bed look," I guess that's kind of charming, but only for about two seconds. Just think, if you hadn't showered in 4 days, wouldn't your hair be a wreck too? ;)
Thoughts
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I have stumbled across your website looking for inspiration for taking my own photos, and totally love your images. As a New Zealander these are especially awesome. You have captured our little country beautifully and you may have just inspired me to get out there and take more photos in my back yard. I especially love the photos that include your combie (both inside and out), totally puts a holiday spin on the whole set. Fantastic.
You look pretty darn hot for not showering 4 days.
I love your thoughts on feeling small when you travel. It's exactly what I'm feeling now.
Sweet photos! Glad you enjoyed your visit...come again anytime.
holy amazingness! the color of that water is incredible!
Breathtaking! I'm adding New Zealand to list of must-visit islands (Iceland, Hawaii, etc.) I can't get over those crystal clear blue oceans!
i hope you guys had so much fun! It's looks breathtaking. Matt has been and he was so jealous when he saw your photos, he's dying to go back there!
xo,
Molly
I think you did the landscape a beautiful justice with these pictures!! absolutely breathtaking, I've wanted to travel to New Zealand for some time, nice to live vicariously through your images! I love the cows too, such peaceful lovely animals! Makes me crave a road trip!
Loveeeee every single one, these pictures make me want to go!! Beautiful job
I love the pictures and the fact that you get to travel and experience life "off of the page". This post was made even better by the Donald Miller quote. He's one of my favorite authors.
My fiancee and I have been seriously considering going to New Zealand on our Honeymoon...your photos have pretty much sealed the deal. Absolutely gorgeous.
LOVE all of these pictures!! Makes me want to visit New Zealand now. :-)
Hey Sarah, I was luckily referred to you by another photographer Kyle Hepp.. I just wanted to say that you captured NZ beautifullly! I'm a kiwi living in Chile, and I love to see my country through eyes that obviously appreciate it as much as me! Congratulations :)
So glad you guys had such a great time in the Combi in our corner of the planet. But thank you so much for sharing with the world what we already know, that we live in a special place.
Stunning pics
you don't have any idea how excited i was as this popped up on my CSS reader. i'm leaving for the South Island a week from today, and SO FREAKING EXCITED to travel the land, see the country, have some adventure, and meet some kiwis.
if you experienced any MUST GO spots or any experiences that you have to pass on, PLEASE let me know!
thanks sarah, and again - i love following the blog!!!
Peter Amend
www.PeterAmend.com
www.AmendPhoto.com
Wow, I cannot believe how gorgeous this place is and how beautifully you captured it! Definitely on my top places to visit list. Once again, I am revisiting your blog just to view your amazing photos! thank you!
Wow. There is such a serenity that shines through your photos. Beautiful!
new zealand looks amazing! i want to jump into your pictures! awesome shots!!!!
I was going to say that first image was breathtaking, but then I scrollled through and saw even more breathtakingness! So incredible!
I couldn't stop thinking about everything you told me about New Zealand the other morning. How it is the most beautiful place on earth. Once we parted ways we found a overlook of Seattle and the snow capped mountains and I breathed it in and felt overwhelmed knowing that there is so much more beauty than this. You captured New Zealand in a way that calms my desires and eagerly makes me want to pack my bags and buy a ticket. You experienced it in an amazing raw way and I am so happy you two got to do that! High fives to Chris for driving! This place really does look like heaven.
Looks amazing! Beautiful work. :)
I think you captured NZ beautifully. And I laughed at the accent bit! It's so true! Fush n chups! :)
These are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing.
I'm going to NZ next month and I am so excited to take photos. It looks beautiful.
What a gorgeous country! It's hard to believe that turquoise water is real. Great images!
This just brightened up my day. I spent 4 months almost 2 years ago in New Zealand (2 months over christmas and 2 months in the spring) and it was the most wonderful place I've ever been. I recognize a lot of the places in your pictures.
It's my little heaven on earth as well. I can't wait to go back one day. Thank you for your beautiful photographs.
so many of those places I feel like saying, "yes. I was there, too." seriously— I think we were traveling NZ's south island at the same time. weird, eh?
that van! so cool. i love the way you see life.
Nice. Like the last one very much. Would be nice if you could make some desktop wallpapers from some of these. Best // Johan
Stunning, as usual! So random, but I have that little gray dress with the birds too! ha!
Sarah Rhoads, ya done good.
Definitely need to get to New Zealand STAT!
I'm breath-taken! I think if i could have any vehicle in the world, it would be that EXACT van! And that turquoise water, OMG! great stuff you guys.
These are breathtaking!!! What an amazing place!
Gorgeous! I am booking our trip there this week - any recommendations on what absolutely NOT to miss? I would LOVE some insight!
Rad! Come back soon, eh? :-)
wow -- i want/need to go there. and you look totally adorable! i'm so glad you still took photos of your surroundings even though you prefer photos with people in them :) :) so beautiful.
I'm coming next time haha. I'm small, compact, and can fit into your suitcase. These are gorgeous!
Captivating!
Beautiful images!