IamtherealFloki
@zeuscastillo.bsky.social
World traveling, wife adoring, dancing, dog loving, latino first responder with a flare for the good things in life
We left the South Island of New Zealand today on a ferry. Seas were a bit rough but the boat was big and we managed.
December 18, 2025 at 5:31 AM
We left the South Island of New Zealand today on a ferry. Seas were a bit rough but the boat was big and we managed.
The is an old Chinese gold era town called Arrowtown. It has been kept almost as it was in the old days and is now a bustling trendy town with shops and lots to do and eat!
December 18, 2025 at 5:25 AM
The is an old Chinese gold era town called Arrowtown. It has been kept almost as it was in the old days and is now a bustling trendy town with shops and lots to do and eat!
Couldn’t have said it better myself
December 17, 2025 at 4:20 AM
Couldn’t have said it better myself
Can’t get enough of the zip lining. There were eight all together. This one was short but they had us practicing our monkey maneuvers in case we didn’t make the span…
December 17, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Can’t get enough of the zip lining. There were eight all together. This one was short but they had us practicing our monkey maneuvers in case we didn’t make the span…
The zip lines over the rapids were the best! Paradise zip lines was the outfit. Very professional and as safe as zip lining can be…
December 17, 2025 at 1:41 AM
The zip lines over the rapids were the best! Paradise zip lines was the outfit. Very professional and as safe as zip lining can be…
Christine looks nervous…
December 17, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Christine looks nervous…
Just zipping along…
December 17, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Just zipping along…
Here is Christine…
December 17, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Here is Christine…
What says New Zealand more than a zip line excursion…?
December 17, 2025 at 1:02 AM
What says New Zealand more than a zip line excursion…?
Turns out that when they blasted the clay off the mountains looking for gold it left behind rocky soils that are perfect for wines. They really do have this figured out here.
December 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Turns out that when they blasted the clay off the mountains looking for gold it left behind rocky soils that are perfect for wines. They really do have this figured out here.
What’s a trip to New Zealand without a wine tour? And we love wines. Pinots and Sauvignon Blancs grow here and some of the world’s best! Picked up some of the wild Irishman’s 4 time award winners!! Brings on a whole new meaning of savoring the memories.
December 16, 2025 at 7:38 PM
What’s a trip to New Zealand without a wine tour? And we love wines. Pinots and Sauvignon Blancs grow here and some of the world’s best! Picked up some of the wild Irishman’s 4 time award winners!! Brings on a whole new meaning of savoring the memories.
Fresh lobster in Kaikoura! How fresh you say? Well you get to pick your lobster. This place is run like clockwork. Beware the seagulls they can be very aggressive…
December 16, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Fresh lobster in Kaikoura! How fresh you say? Well you get to pick your lobster. This place is run like clockwork. Beware the seagulls they can be very aggressive…
Had to post these amazing shots!
December 16, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Had to post these amazing shots!
Some more shots…
December 16, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Some more shots…
Oh and there were other curious hunters around the boat! These dolphins are native to New Zealand and are a wonder to observe in their environment.
December 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Oh and there were other curious hunters around the boat! These dolphins are native to New Zealand and are a wonder to observe in their environment.
Once the sperm whale surfaces it is in a recovery mode but soon enough it dives to resume hunting at incredible depths. They identify these animals by the shape on the leading edge of their tails. It truly is not a job if you love what you do and it shows.
December 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Once the sperm whale surfaces it is in a recovery mode but soon enough it dives to resume hunting at incredible depths. They identify these animals by the shape on the leading edge of their tails. It truly is not a job if you love what you do and it shows.
We went whale watching today in Kaikoura. This town was once a whaling town now it is a model for sustainable tourism. Very impressive operation detailing every aspect of their business model that allows preservation of these enigmatic sea creatures.
December 16, 2025 at 5:16 PM
We went whale watching today in Kaikoura. This town was once a whaling town now it is a model for sustainable tourism. Very impressive operation detailing every aspect of their business model that allows preservation of these enigmatic sea creatures.
Arrived in Wanaka to see the resilient tree that shouldn’t be there. Had some lunch with some more locals. The tree is a symbol of determination. What a beautiful lake and just look at that background!
December 16, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Arrived in Wanaka to see the resilient tree that shouldn’t be there. Had some lunch with some more locals. The tree is a symbol of determination. What a beautiful lake and just look at that background!
We got to speak with some of the locals while we ate. Friendly and well informed people. New Zealand is filled with beauty from the land and its people.
December 16, 2025 at 6:04 AM
We got to speak with some of the locals while we ate. Friendly and well informed people. New Zealand is filled with beauty from the land and its people.
On our way to the Wanaka tree we stopped by a small town called Fairlie. They have a famous back house which makes freshly baked meat pies. I had a creamy chicken and my wife had the steak and cheese. They were worth stopping for OMG!!
December 16, 2025 at 5:52 AM
On our way to the Wanaka tree we stopped by a small town called Fairlie. They have a famous back house which makes freshly baked meat pies. I had a creamy chicken and my wife had the steak and cheese. They were worth stopping for OMG!!
Ok because we are so far from light pollution we booked a star gazing event at a geothermal pool. That was amazing and relaxing. We got to discuss astrological phenomena with the local astronomers. We had four telescopes and got a taste of celestial objects in the clear night sky!
December 16, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Ok because we are so far from light pollution we booked a star gazing event at a geothermal pool. That was amazing and relaxing. We got to discuss astrological phenomena with the local astronomers. We had four telescopes and got a taste of celestial objects in the clear night sky!
On to the glacier! Or what’s left of it. In order to see the glacier you have to take a helicopter ride but on the other side of this cloud waterfall lies the remains of a glacier. Also, the runoff from the glacier creates a deep turquoise color that is unreal!
December 16, 2025 at 3:15 AM
On to the glacier! Or what’s left of it. In order to see the glacier you have to take a helicopter ride but on the other side of this cloud waterfall lies the remains of a glacier. Also, the runoff from the glacier creates a deep turquoise color that is unreal!
While waiting to go through a tunnel…a Kea landed on our car! (A New Zealand parrot) We were warned that they might want to eat the rubber around the windows. I had to nudge it along..
December 16, 2025 at 3:06 AM
While waiting to go through a tunnel…a Kea landed on our car! (A New Zealand parrot) We were warned that they might want to eat the rubber around the windows. I had to nudge it along..
They have tunnels in New Zealand! Good thing too because the mountains are everywhere!
December 16, 2025 at 2:57 AM
They have tunnels in New Zealand! Good thing too because the mountains are everywhere!
Some of the locals hanging out and sunbathing…
December 16, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Some of the locals hanging out and sunbathing…