Beach access steps to Totaranui Beach

Reporting to you straight from New Zealand! I could not be more excited to start the New Year off in one of the most beautiful, green countries I've ever visited. If you've followed some of my past travels in my #WheredSaulGo - named appropriately for sounding like Where's Waldo - series then you've seen some of my past trips around the United States but this trip is on a whole other level! On the schedule for this first leg of the journey - traveling by way of RV camper, thanks to Fiat, all around the South Island, discovering as we go, and planning on a day by day basis... no schedule, just some fun in the sun!

Our first stop on this three week journey around the South Island of New Zealand - Totaranui Beach! Located on the North coast of the Southern Island of New Zealand, this remote beach location is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to or seen. With room for only a few hundred campers - by choice of the government that keeps this small beach as public land and protects from being built on - you instantly feel like you are on your own private beach with some of your closest friends. It's quite a trek to get to from any major city but the scenic drive through the mountains and canyons is worth the hours it takes to get there. If you've ever seen the movie The Beach - this is exactly that! Crystal clear waters, golden sandy beach, and surrounded by mountains and lush hiking/biking paths... it was, without a doubt, the best way to start the first leg of our trip! 

This is just the beginning so make sure you stay tuned for so much more! I'll be posting as often as possible here but if you want to follow day by day, follow me on Instagram - @TrendStyled or with the hashtag #WheredSaulGo!

Beautiful views as we climb the rolling hills

Maruia Falls

Finally reaching the top of the last hill until we descend into the Totaranui Beach

My view for the next five mornings - Totaranui Beach!

Soaking up the view