I just have to comment on this last photo. At the top of Sears Tower you can stand out in these glass boxes that overhang 103 floors up. You can see clearly how Kristin and I felt about it :) 
- Share On
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And yes we are still romping in the chassaaa at this point and having the freedom to stop anywhere and everywhere we wanted was incredible! However I will say that it was pretty difficult to get very far in a given day. The number of times we pulled off to the side of the road to take pictures were countless. Not a bad problem to have I assure you. If you guys want to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire world, you have to make your way to New Zealand. Kristin and I already can't wait for our next trip there.
Fun fact: Sheep outnumber humans by about 10:1 in New Zealand. This is what the typical country side looks like on the south island. 
One of the things I definitely wanted to do while in New Zealand was visit the Franz Joesph Glacier. I had read how beautiful it was and was excited to see it first hand. Upon our arrival we found out that this particular glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers on the planet and that there were several guided excursions options available. Without much hesitation Kristin and I signed up for one and headed out for the ice. 
a sweet crevasse in the glacier. 
As we were making our way down to Queenstown we heard of an activity called Canyoning in Wanaka which included a mix of repelling/abseiling down waterfalls, jumping off cliffs, sliding down huge natural rock slides, and zip-lining in between canyons. Luckily we didn't know much of what was in store for us (or anywhere close) when Kristin agreed to do it with me! We just hoped in a car and headed out to the canyon. 
We were joined up with our super awesome and slightly wacky Australian guide named Millie. Millie informed us how grateful she was to get one last group out of this season before it ended. "Oh is the season almost over" I asked. "Ha yeah with the water only being 1 degree (Celsius) almost nobody comes out this time of year" "well except you guys" - Millie replies. Kristin shoots me a look as Millie instructs her to put on a wet suit. "At least we get a wet suit" I replied as the anticipation started to build the more layers of gear we put on.
We started trekking up the side of the mountain to begin our adventure. The canyon wedged between two pressing mountains. Hidden by a line of trees not visible at all to the outside world. As curiosity grew of what we were about to embark on, our nerves of anxiousness slowly faded away as we found ourselves immediately entranced by the beauty of our surroundings. The snow covered mountain peaks, the sound of a near by creek, the movement of the grass on the rolling hills. It was beyond beautiful. Peaceful. Serene. 
It didn't take long until we completely fell in love with what the canyon had to offer. Jumping from heights so high it made your heart beat scream. Plunging into freezing pools of fresh mountain water. Sliding off natural rock slides into unknown abyss's. Zig-zagging through the canyon by means of Zip line. And just when you think you couldn't encounter anymore. Your faced with about a 100 foot waterfall you need to repel down. An adrenaline rush at the core. 
Mission accomplished! 
I don't know if its because we worked up quite an appetite or what but this was one of the best lunches we have ever had. Yeah that's right. bread, cucumber and tomato chutney... we must have been starved but it was amazing! 
After Wanaka we headed further into Fiordland. 
We took a cruise through Milford Sounds at sunrise. This is where you will see some of the most spectacular sights in all creation! Simply breath taking. 
After Queenstown we flew back up to Auckland and spent the last day just
hanging out and reflecting on what was probably two of the most incredible
weeks of our lives. We felt so blessed to be able to do the things we did and see the places we saw. Simply a testimony to God's magnificence and beauty. Like I said earlier we already cant wait to go back and explore new parts of each island and see what else the incredible Kiwi culture has to offer. But for now we are gearing up for one of our best wedding seasons ever! With some of the most talented vendors in the industry and the raddest clients on the planet, its going to be one epic year!- Share On
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Love New Zealand!! Definitely makes me want to go back NOW!! The scenery there is just epic!! Can't wait for the next trip.... wink, wink!
(04.19.11 @ 11:49 AM)WOW! Reinna & I can definitely see God's favor and the abundant blessings for you both within this past trip alone.. We're praying that this wedding season brings countless more blessings for you & Kristin. We Can't wait to see all the goodness you both will dish out from it all!
(04.19.11 @ 12:01 PM)Your pictures are beautiful! Definitely planning a trip to NZ soon!
(04.19.11 @ 12:05 PM)Beautiful photos! You're making me want to go! Glacier climbing is something I wouldn't have thought of for New Zealand. Thanks for sharing!
(04.19.11 @ 12:15 PM)Are you KIDDING ME?!?!? What an amazing adventure. So glad that you had a wonderful time and happy you made it home safe.
(04.19.11 @ 12:18 PM)those are some of the most extreme extreme things to do on a vacation......inspiring! and crazy. but inspiring!
(04.19.11 @ 12:29 PM)That looks SO F U N !!!!!!!! My goodness. So many good photos. Can there be a part 3 please?? :0)
(04.19.11 @ 12:48 PM)OH my LORD! SO beautiful and fun! Thanks for sharing it with us! can't wait to hear more about your trip in person! Glad to have you both back home, safe and sound. ::) xoxo!!
Thanks for visiting New Zealand..Your canyoning photos are amazing! Kia ora!
(04.19.11 @ 03:05 PM)Ummm...breathtaking. I loved all the photos and I was so glad there were a few of you two together. You guys are such a beautiful couple, inside and out!
(04.19.11 @ 04:04 PM)Wow! These photos are amazing. Now I want to go to New Zealand! Its so awesome God is blessing you two. Thank you for sharing your guys amazing adventures!
(04.20.11 @ 10:52 AM)You guys are amazing! i can't believe you hauled camera gear with you amidst all of this!
(04.20.11 @ 01:38 PM)So glad you enjoyed yourselves here... sorry we didn't get a chance to meet up in the end... perhaps next time!! Looks like you got around a lot of places in the short time you were here... the South Island is truly amazing and your photos are such a blast!! I think I need to get myself back down there soon!
(04.21.11 @ 03:03 AM)Okay, that is WAY better than the canyoning I did in Switzerland in college. My jaw just dropped to the floor. And now I feel the NEED for a trip to NZ!!! What an amazing opportunity...so cool to see how you guys embraced this trip!
(04.21.11 @ 10:40 AM)I loooved reading this! So happy for you two, to be able to explore the world like that. Thank you for sharing your adventure. Can't wait to see all the weddings!
(04.21.11 @ 03:39 PM)Holy cow. You guys are WAY WAY WAY brave. It must've been amazing!!!
PS. Omg. I love sheep. Must. Go. To. NZ.
(04.22.11 @ 06:15 PM)YES! I knew your inner Bear Grylls would shine through! You guys are so brave!! Amazing photos! P.S. Only the two of you could still look adorable in wetsuits & colorful helmets after free-falling down rocks in freezing cold water! sigh.
(04.22.11 @ 09:36 PM)WOW!!!! Its an adventure at its best...i would love to try that one day with my wife. BTW, the pictures are awesome!!!
(04.25.11 @ 12:43 AM)LOVE the photos!!!! As someone who permanently has the travel bug this just made the bug itch... madly. Thanks so much for sharing in your adventures!
(04.29.11 @ 04:34 PM)Once again; you have made it painfully impossible not to love your photos
that shot of the fog coming off the water in the early am is breath-stealing
GREAT STUFF AS ALWAYS !
rad adventure! curious to know where you kept your camera when you were canyoning through wanaka?
(06.23.11 @ 10:57 PM)Hi Brandon and Kristin, I just entered in your blog and remember how beautiful New Zealand was, probabily you dont´t remember me but I was the girl from Argentina that made the canoyng in Wanaka with you.
Thanks for the beautifull photos you took, I loved see NZ from a diferent eye.
Bye, Ileana
Driving on the left side of the road was quite fun! Although the instigator of quite a few panic attacks I think I finally got the hang of it by the end of our 3400km journey. About 2200 miles. 
Our first stop was Cathedral Cove in Coromandel. Such an incredibly beautiful place. It takes about an hour to hike to this secluded location but totally worth it! You may recognize it from the last Narnia Movie. 
Check out our JUCY Chaser (pronounced chasssaaa) from JUCY cars and
campas. Believe it or not this was one of the most normal looking
campers there was. 
The best thing about renting a camper van in New
Zealand is that they have whats called a freedom camping ethos. Which
means you can park and camp almost anywhere you want. So after a full
day of activities we
would pull over to a beautiful spot with a view, cook some dinner while
watching the beautiful colors of the sky change at sunset. This
is me attempting to make dinner on our gas stove.. We got our
self a high tech campa! 
Kristin was dying (laughing) at this point..Oh yeah.. because we slept in here with all our luggage (3 large bags) as well as with all our camera equipment from the wedding (4 bags) 7 bags total
plus all the food we bought to live off of. Cramped actually does begin to describe the experience.
You could say that we stayed in a crampa.. haha ok that was bad. I don't
think this is the preferred method of travel for most people, however
Kristin and I had the time of our lives! Seriously just wait until you
see all the photos! We weren't bound by obligations or time constraints, having to
get to certain places by a certain time. Whatever we wanted to do we
did! It was one epic adventure!Here is the view from our first night there! We got to park and camp right on the cliff of the beach.
The next day we headed down to Lake Taupo where we took a sail out to see the Maori carvings. 
Then off to some geothermal areas in Rotorua
The caves in Waitomo. These are literally the only 2 photos that I got before our guide looked straight at me and said no cameras and no photos. With a tour of 3 people I couldn't even sneak some if I tried! I will say though that it is simply incredible if you are ever considering seeing something like it! 
Sea view houses of Wellington. 
Kayaking excursion in the Abel Tasman National Park. 
Pancake rocks of Punakaiki
Im guessing a cow / ewok breed
- Share On
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wow guys, looks like an incredible time! gotta love the perks and opportunities that come with the job :)
(04.12.11 @ 08:49 AM)Beautiful! Can't wait to see Part 2!
(04.12.11 @ 09:39 AM)OMG!!! These pictures are incredible!!! Can't wait to see part 2~
(04.12.11 @ 10:21 AM)Pictures are so insane...! Such a fun adventure for you guys in that chasssaaaa. That's what I call a road trip. Bring on part II !
(04.12.11 @ 10:27 AM)Ooh we spent the month of February in New Zealand and these photos took me right back there!! We also kayaked to the Maori Carvings on Lake Taupo. Such a beautiful place and amazing photos!!
(04.12.11 @ 10:41 AM)Unbelievable pics guys! I can't even pick a fave. That camper is the greatest thing I've ever seen! I'm dying! Totally worth it though with a view like that from your "camp site". Looking forward to part two!
(04.12.11 @ 11:45 AM)Wow I can't stop looking at these! I think I need to rent a camper and do this! These pictures are simply amazing.
(04.12.11 @ 04:23 PM)awesome you guys!! can't wait to see part II and hear all about your trip! get together soon for sure! cheers you two... kyle
(04.12.11 @ 09:01 PM)awesome you guys!! can't wait to see part II and hear all about your trip! get together soon for sure! cheers you two... kyle
(04.12.11 @ 09:02 PM)Brandon & Kristen,
Your pictures are beautiful! I had fun checking them out. I can't wait for part 2!
These pictures are incredible! You two are so blessed to have experienced God's glory in such a beautiful place! (It's so good to have you home, though!)
(04.13.11 @ 08:44 PM)You guys are too much fun! I really loved reading this post! Haha...crampa! Hope we can go on a travel with you guys one day!
I love your pictures and the story is awesome, but your cow/ewok comparison made my heart so happy. :D I'm still laughing, you are AWESOME!
(04.14.11 @ 10:48 AM)AMAZING!!! These images are unreal! Sounds and looks like you guys had a blast! Can't wait for Part 2! =)
(04.14.11 @ 09:20 PM)this is amazing!! Love every single shot. and i want to stay in a crampa... ;)
(04.15.11 @ 01:26 AM)So glad you guys came all the way to NZ for the wedding I have seen the slideshow and it's amazing - can't wait to see all the rest!
(04.17.11 @ 06:24 PM)- Share On
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WOW, incredible!!-- is it Queenstown? can't wait to see your photos! thanks for stopping by our blog! :)
(04.08.11 @ 08:23 PM)Awesome photo!!!!!
(04.11.11 @ 12:58 PM)Awesome shot! Looks like something straight out of a movie! Looking forward to seeing the whole shoot.
(04.12.11 @ 05:54 AM)
The sight on top of the Moon Hill climb! So worth it! 
Check out the scooter we rented! So much fun! It was such a great way to explore the land and get around. 
Its like your on top of the world. 
We found this really cool recreational park with a bunch of ping pong tables. I had to challenge one of the locals. Yup...got killed!
Kristin busting out her ninja moves in front of this awesome graffiti wall! 
food.
I saved the best for last. 
Here is a man playing a flute type instrument in one of the underground
passes where people get on to the subway. It appeared to be a perfect
location to play with tons of foot traffics as well as incredibly
acoustics. The ceiling was really low and the halls were long so the
sound completely filled this underground tunnel. It was one of the most
beautiful things I have ever heard. It was definitely one of my favorite
memories of the trip!- Share On
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Beautiful photos! Especially the one with the clouds floating over the great wall~!
I can translate the note for you if you have a scan!
What kind of insects are on those skewers???Did you guys try them?
Love it!!! You've really captured parts of China so beautifully :)
(01.18.11 @ 03:23 PM)love your photos of china!
AND kristin's ninja move :)
i can translate that note for you...
Food? ;) I absolutely love your view of China, it's like nothing I've ever seen before. Thanks for sharing! :)
(01.18.11 @ 04:15 PM)Looks like so much fun. I can't imagine experiencing a new culture like that. Great photos guys.
(01.18.11 @ 05:04 PM)So much translating love! Thanks so much guys!
(01.18.11 @ 05:06 PM)I absolutely love the photos! You captured some amazing sites, and I loved the ping pong action! Thank you for sharing Kristin and Brandon! God bless!
(01.18.11 @ 09:30 PM)These photos are amazing! Wow, did you try some of the insects?
(01.18.11 @ 09:49 PM)HAHA I totally would have tried if Kristin didn't threaten to never kiss me again if I ate one :)
(01.18.11 @ 09:57 PM)my favorite is the one of Kristin's Ninja moves! How cute is she??!!
(01.18.11 @ 11:03 PM)thank you for sharing the pictures....it is awesome! you beautifully captured the place. i dream of going to Beijing too, i hope, one day....
(01.19.11 @ 12:49 AM)Lovely pictures and an amazing perspective. You guys are so inspiring. :) I can translate Mandarin btw! :)
(01.19.11 @ 08:40 AM)Unreal guys! These are so awesome! I can't pick a favorite! I love that you picked up a random ping pong game with a local by the way! ha! Love it!!
(01.22.11 @ 10:28 PM)Love, love, love, love, love! I just fell in love with your work even more. Keep it up!
(01.25.11 @ 04:49 PM)That photo of you playing table tennis definitely reminded me of The Karate Kid movie!
And truly, that last shot was spectacular! Wonder how he reacted to you taking a photo of him?
(01.31.11 @ 10:45 PM)Hey B&K! Love the pics!! We Chinese... and I can read some Chinese.. haha send me a pic of the paper! I'll get it translated for you!! xoxo
(02.07.11 @ 05:32 PM)Already had wanderlust... 20x more after viewing your amazingly beautiful photographs! Really... stunning.
(02.08.11 @ 11:01 AM)That is amazing!!!! i love China!
(02.09.11 @ 08:34 PM)Great work! I love y'alls style in photography! Very yummy and tasteful. ;)
(10.11.11 @ 08:21 AM)
I love your photos! Y'all are so talented. I don't think I would be brave enough to stand on that balcony!
(08.03.11 @ 10:18 AM)the facial expressions on the last picture...priceless!!!
(08.04.11 @ 07:03 PM)Miss you guys!!! Amazing photos!!! Chicago was one of my FAVORITE cities growing up (used to live in Hyde Park) and you reminded me why I love it so much! Leo and I actually ate at Quartino when we were last there last October! Super yummy...I hope you got to eat some deep-dish pizza too :-)
(08.05.11 @ 02:59 PM)those pics are amazing!!!
(08.08.11 @ 11:01 AM)Each time I take a picture, I ask myself...What would Brandon do? Keep up the good work!
(08.08.11 @ 12:02 PM)You guys are incredible! I keep pinning all of your photographs on Pinterest! Keep it up! Don't get too famous or I won't be able to book you for my wedding in a few years! ;)
(08.09.11 @ 03:09 PM)I wouldn't stand up there for a million bucks! Looks like a fun trip! : )
(08.09.11 @ 04:25 PM)Oh wow, can't say how much I love Chicago. My husband and I met first on a fly to Chicago, so this city has a special place in my heart. Thanks for the impressions and the flash of memories ;-)
(08.11.11 @ 11:29 AM)Katja