From Bungee Jumpers to Starry Skies: A Day of Adventure and Wonder

Today was a long driving day, but as always in New Zealand, the journey itself was half the adventure. Along the way, we made a stop at Kawaru Bridge bungee jumping location, where the adrenaline junkies leaped fearlessly into the void. We, on the other hand, were happy to watch from the sidelines and keep our feet firmly planted on solid ground!

As we continued our drive, we were treated to a stunning view of Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook. Fun fact for fellow Tolkien fans—Mount Cook served as inspiration for the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films. With its towering presence and dramatic backdrop, it was easy to see why.

A Remote Retreat at Lakestone Lodge

Eventually, we arrived at our home for the night—Lakestone Lodge, a completely off-the-grid, eco-friendly retreat nestled in an untouched landscape. Before dinner, we took a long walk around the property, determined to get our steps in. The surrounding area was quiet and uninhabited, with massive lakes untouched by boats, creating a truly serene and peaceful setting.

Dinner was a treat—fresh, local salmon, prepared beautifully. Paired with a glass of New Zealand wine and a view from our room that stretched endlessly over the water, it was the perfect way to unwind after the day’s drive.

A Night Under the Stars

The absolute highlight of the day? The stargazing experience. Lakestone Lodge is located in a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning there’s minimal light pollution, making for some of the best starry skies in the world. We had the chance to view Jupiter and its five moons lined up through a telescope, which was mind-blowing in itself. But the real magic happened when we settled into reclining chairs in the Dark Sky Arena, where our guide pointed out constellations and celestial markers in the Southern Hemisphere’s sky.

With the Milky Way in full view, we sat in awe, completely mesmerized by the sheer number of stars visible above us. It was a humbling experience—a reminder of how vast the universe is and just how small we are in comparison. Definitely a moment to remember.

Tomorrow brings another adventure, but tonight, we’re falling asleep with the universe still sparkling in our minds. ✨