Coming from Australia, New Zealand is familiar, but also oddly different. One obvious difference is the size of the lumps. The landscape here looks a bit like Australia, only stretched, like someone scaled a picture on Photoshop and screwed up the ratio. Big mountains. Snow caps. In summer.
(Top pic: not a bad spot for a picnic… or a tribal get together.)
I’ve been helping to scout a spot for the 2016 New Zealand Rainbow Gathering, in the heart of Hobbit country.
I messaged Annalee on FB, and she gave me directions to the proposed site.
I hitchhiked north from Christchurch, up through the South Island’s mountainous interior. I got dropped off at the end of a dirt track, near a river crossing, and started walking.
When I arrived at the valley, I knew it had to be the place. It is idyllic. Grass plains, forest, and clear, fast flowing mountain streams.
Annalee, and the rest of the scouting party hadn’t arrived yet, so I pitched camp, ate some baked beans and passed out.
Annalee and the rest of the crew arrived the following morning, and we headed up the valley to explore.
Annalee was the first Rainbow person I ever met. When I set out to find the gathering in Australia in 2007, I met her on the street, completely randomly, and she connected me with the Australian tribe. That’s another story, but you can read about it here…
(Below: Annalee and NZ Rainbow scouting crew, being intrepid.)
When we found the clearing in the beech forest, everyone was immediately in accord. This site blew our minds. Beautiful dry forest, clean running water, spectacular views of the distant mountains… This was a site to gather at.
The gathering is in full swing now. If you want to find this amazing place and join the tribe in the forest, you can message the Rainbow NZ FB group for directions and info.
(The magical site for 2016 NZ Rainbow Gathering.)
>> More stories and photos about my adventures with the Rainbow Tribe.
>> Check out the Raw Safari Top 9 Low-Budget Adventure Tips and go further for your dollars.
>> Follow Raw Safari on Facebook.
