It’s not easy returning home after six days of back country wilderness, stunning sights and simple eating! The lifestyle of the tramper (yes, we call treking ‘tramping’ here in NZ) is something special. Throughout our tramp along deep valleys and over high passes, my family and I saw some exquisite creations – pink sunsets, early morning valley fog, crystal clear streams, ‘remarkably’ sharp mountains, the most tiny, dainty birds, great brown trout, moss covered forest floors…

We maintained the mindset of “food is fuel”, eating logan bread smeared in peanut butter (perfectly sustaining!), oats, curries and dried fruit. And boy, we arrived home with a new found appreciation for fresh bread and fresh fruit! Here’s a glimpse of beautiful New Zealand backcountry (Queenstown). All photos taken by my Dad, the inspiration and encouragement behind this trek, and the one gracious enough to carry the weight of the DSLR!

On arrival back home in Hamilton, we were treated to fresh, thick, refreshing avocado shakes made by our wonderful hosts!

Avocado Shakes
Makes 2

1 avocado
dash vanilla essence
1 Tbsp sugar
2 scoops vanilla icecream
1 Tbsp milk powder (if desired, to thicken)
Milk

Blend ingredients until thick, adding milk until it reaches desired consistency. Put your tired feet up and enjoy on the deck over shared stories of your own wilderness adventures.