“Make a u-turn as soon as possible.”
– my GPS
While moving from one place to another, every so often (which is to say, almost every day), I see something so stunningly beautiful I have to stop or turn and go back.
I prefer to travel with a GPS, mostly because I don’t find old fashioned maps romantic š My GPS tells me how to get from A to B, and I love it for that, but it doesn’t really consider the stuff in between. I don’t blame good ol’ GPS for that, that’s not its job. That’s my job.
Sometimes I see signs, sometimes I see scenery and sometimes it’s just a feeling. These little detours make me spend more on gas, but they never really let me down.
The Pelorus River – where parts of The Hobbit were filmed. It was actually happenstance that I came across it.
Pelorus River and the Pelorus Bridge
Picking up hitchhikers Stefan, Valentine & Paul from Germay. Meeting new people – woop!
Car full of gas and the open road to anywhere…
Having breakfast at a windy beach off the road between Kaikoura and Christchurch
Stopping to say hi…
Beautiful colours by Lake Ellesmere made me stop by the side of the highway
There was even a path for those wanting a closer look
The tide is out
Beautiful colours caught my eye
What thiiiis?
Nature’s own tunnel
Fantastic view right off the road to Akaroa
Once again the camera doesn’t do the view justice at all… But a small hike off the main road can give you the best rewards of the day.
Don’t rush from A to B when you’re on a road trip, most likely you’ll miss the best parts. Ignore your GPS for a little while, it’ll find the way back eventually.
I’ll make a u-turn in a minute, GPS…
bakoyma.com 
I think a GPS is a great resource when venturing out into the unknown and I totally agree with you. It’s important to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take the time to smell the roses. Love the beautiful spots you photographed, especially the one taken off the road to Akaroa.
Thank you š The view on the way to Akaroa was the major reason I did the trip from Christchurch over there again, so beautiful š
I actually love maps, especially for planning. I’ve only used the navigation apps that I can download, or come with a phone. One kept thinking I was on the frontage road instead of whizzing down the highway, which is where I was supposed to be…I eventually turned her off. She kept saying “rerouting, rerouting.” No! I love the way you just stop when something interests you, I’ve done that, and I love the freedom that being in your own car gives you. If you were stuck on a bus or a train, you would miss it. New Zealand would be an amazing place to visit!
I like the look of maps when I plan the trip as a whole… In those situations, I absolutely love them. I’m sorry, I see now that I def. should’ve clarified more. What I don’t like is the feeling of trying to unfold a huge map while I’m -in the car- trying to find out where to go š But I don’t hate them at all and I absolutely do agree that the various nav-apps can be like an annoying boyfriend/girlfriend sometimes ;-D “Nake a u-turn. Make a u-turn. Make a u-turn. Make a u-turn.” Oh, God!
You should def. go to New Zealand. My fav home away from home. It seems so small on a world map, but it’s so full of stuff to see and do. I’ve been there 2,5 months all together and there’s still a list of stuff I haven’t done. Go for it! Even if it is far away…
GPS is definitely the way to go when driving! I just need a good one. I can’t imagine trying to read and drive – good way to get a ticket or an accident. I guess one more reason to pull over and check out more scenery. š Two and a half months and still so much left to see tells me that New Zealand is one awesome and diverse country!
I think that is one of the best things about driving yourself around – that you can just stop wherever you fancy or take a little detour. Normally the best things are those that haven’t been planned!
I couldn’t agree more, Catherine š