Watching some of your old videos, I see such a change in you! Your kiwi side has awakened lol. Gone is the Californian boy, in its place is a man who has done a lot of soul searching, healing, a calmer more in touch person is emerging, it’s what New Zealand does to people. There is something very special about this land of ours. I lacks the vibrance and speed of the US, but without all of that living here gives you the space in your mind to get to know who you are, less distractions and less pressure to be a certain way. It’s a lot easier to be who you truly want to be here. Well done I know it’s been a learning curve and a tough adjustment for you at times, but I truly think this move was meant to be for you, you may not live here forever and if you decide to return to the US your time here will be the true making of you :)
I'm so excited to hear how your adventure goes! a few years ago I visited the South Island with friends and we did a bunch of hiking around Queenstown and it was one of my favorite trips I've ever been on. Just jaw-dropping natural beauty!
Can recommend a cruise on Milford Sound if you can find time. Truly beautiful. Stunning in any weather. Seals, dolphins, waterfalls and scenery to wonder at. Enjoy.
So happy to hear you and Carrie are heading off for some couple time in a wondrous part of Aoetearoa. Im sure it is just what you both need. You work so tirelessly Alex and deserve the break. Love your videos, keep up the great work :)
The forest bath gave me goosebumps, that's how much I like it! Looking forward to your Milford Track video(s) very much! And it was nice to finally see the sleepout. It has a bit of an old European campground vibe :)
Yes love the start off and the finish of your video beautiful brush like scenery awesome and I know south island will be the same beautiful down there enjoy your self and keep safe
I can see such potential in that sleep out, and when borders open, your families and friends can come visit ☑️. I too love the wildlife, but when it's in the wild, not in the house. The trip up the mountain was beautiful, thank you for the beautiful aerial view of your car traveling through the bush. And then, you appeared in that beautiful bush. I have to say the music you chose to accompany the bush scenes was heavenly, and brought tears to my heart💚. Coming home is a wonderful feeling, whether it be home into nature, a country, a family.... It's all a wonderful feeling and it's all home. Looking forward to going on the Milford trek with you both. 👍🏻🏞️
Good morning Alex 🌞 gosh yes! it was like a tropical heat wave 🥵 makings for thunderstorm weather ⛈️ 🌧️🌧️ and stunning sunsets 🔥 😍 You've put so much hard mahi into your home, you get the sweaty awkward jobs 🥵 😂 under the house, up in the roof, on the roof, make this, make that, chop wood, cart the wood, mow lawns, fix fences, chase sheep, and the list goes on 📝... but! with you and Carrie's hard mahi "It's absolutely wonderful to see how much you have both accomplished in NZ in only a few years "well done 🙌🏽 😁 and that was a peaceful walk through Giant's 🌲 I love tree's 💚
As always thank you for creating such fantastic content 🤍 I’m the past 9 months since my son was born I have been so mindful of the content/media I consume and the time I spend doing so. I always feel so positive, motivated and inspired after watching your videos, they are one of my favourite little bits of me time whilst my boy sleeps! Looking forward to following along as you take on the Milford track. I don’t know if you have ever been, or would consider going, but Rakiura (Stewart Island) is well worth a visit if you get a chance in the future! My husband and I absolutely love it, one of the most unique and beautiful parts of the country in my opinion. Stunning tramping, amazing locals and wild Kiwi to spot every night! We can’t wait to get back there early next year 🌿 Safe travels 🤍⛰
Thank you for this lovely message Ali. I’m glad my videos can give you a nice positive breather. We haven’t been to Raikura- Stewart Island yet but would like to soon!
I hope that you have a dog sitter for Lanka - and perhaps a baby sitter for Woolsen - if he still has extra milk. Animals are a big NO-NO on the Milford track!! I walked the milford track many years ago and I have done it twice. lets see - 1983 and again in 1991. Freedom walking as well!! Hope you get the good weather. We got nothing but rain on the first trip which is why we did it again, and got much better weather the second time around. Assuming you are freedom walking, you have to carry all your own food, snacks, trail mix, clothes, sleeping bags and pillows. The cabins will only have bunk beds and mattresses. I think they have stoves. Oh yeah, take a pot or something to cook your food in. Food that can be cooked fast!! Such as Ramen Noodles, coffee. etc.
Very much looking forward to your Milford vids. It is something I'd like to do, I think... 😁 Be great to know how much prep I need to do for an enjoyable and safe trip.
Hey Alex! Im not sure about the ones in your region, but the trees of Whakarewarewa Forest up in the Taupo area are literally from California! They brought them in there long time ago and it’s really impressive 😉
Hi it’s me again .. don’t think I have mentioned before that my my daughter and husband have “ lifestyle” too and so many of your experiences are similar to what they have had to “ attack” re renovations including a sleepover! Seems Cortney wasn’t able to help out with the weather boards ha ha .It was so nice to see the redwoods etc as you trekked along could almost feel the peace and tranquility.
I did the Milford track in Jan 2020 very lucky to get in a last holiday before coming back to Melbourne and going into lockdown. I enjoyed it, great hike. The Routeburn is my favourite I did it a few years ago and would love to Do that hike again, it’s a bit more Alpine hiking up in the clouds above the tree line it’s just beautiful. The Milford is stunning but you do spend a lot of time under the canopy… just preferences I guess 😊 hope you enjoy it
I loved Routeburn. Still my favourite as well. We were lucky to be there when the mt cook lily was flowering which was perfect. And the hut wardens were a blast!
Love the huts and the warden speech time they are so passionate. I don’t miss those sand flies those things are ferocious especially on the Milford. They barely touched my friend, sadly they love my blood😒I want to do the Kepler next but would love to do the Routeburn again
Very nice vlog again. One thing that I didn't enjoy so much was that during your walk the red 'Subscribe' button kind of became a bit annoying but I get why you want it there. Love your content!
Take insect repellent... lots and lots =p I'm looking forward to your video of the Sound as I just know you will take the most beautiful shots. Enjoy and relish in all the beauty =)
Just an idea re the weatherboards: people doing renos sometimes have small quantities left over, or pieces in good condition from demolitions so a shout out on your local/nearby Facebook pages might get you some sooner. We got enough kauri planks from a cottage demolition to use for the floor on our extension. Love all your vlogs. Thanks so much 🙏 Oh and on the plus side, the wood was free because it was destined for the tip. We just had to pay for it to be milled . Altogether way cheaper than buying new 😀
@@AlexanderAyling - There's a second hand building materials place on the south end of Greytown... on Bidwells Cutting Road (back road to Martinborough) that has lots of stuff that you may find useful.. We went there a few years back and it was fascinating to see all the treasures they sell. I think we ended up buying an old wrought iron bedhead... worth a visit at some point maybe?
Hi Alex, I still enjoy watching your new videos with your updates. It is awesome to see how similar New Zealand is to California where I was born and raised as well, in regards to the forests with the giant redwood sequoia trees. It is absolutely gorgeous and stunning to behold. I have decided that I will be visiting New Zealand no later than September 15th, 2022 with my re-approved Working Holiday Visa. I feel both blessed and grateful that it was approved again two years later, even though I will be three years older than the age limit allowed this summer. I will be allowed to fly in and out for a whole year, and the time only deducts from that twelve months while I am only physically inside the country. I have enjoyed watching your videos for two years, and have been working from home virtually for two years as well. May I get your advice and suggestions for an itinerary for both the North and South islands for a minimum of two weeks as a first time visitor? :-D
Gutted... we were booked to do last week but C19 stopped us going as travelling from Auckland. We're rebooked for Dec. So excited to see how your trip goes.
I'm envious bro. I so want to do the Milford Track but don't have confidence my budget lungs will get me over MacKinnon Pass. I've been along the road (which is mind blowing in itself) and cruised the fiord. I was so lucky with the weather. It snowed the night before and there was clear skies on the day, got an almost perfect photo of Mitre Peak and was lucky enough to see the Seals, Dolphins and Penguins. Want to go back and see it while it's raining now. The captain on the boat says the best time to see Milford Sound is when it's pouring with rain and all the waterfalls are at full force, so hoping to get a day like that when I'm down that way. Take care bro and don't leave anything lying around for the kea's to pinch. Arohanui
I have a VSD - heart condition - and I was able to walk the Milford track twice!! The slog up to McKinnon pass was fairly easy. The downwards side on the other side was the really hard part for me!! That is the steep side and it is hard on the knees!! Of course I was much younger then, but it can be done. I was 19 the first time and 27 the second time. I am now in my 50s.
@@francescathomas3502 thank you. I would love to do it but do worry about my budget lungs. I can't suck in enough oxygen and tire really quickly. I'm going to find somewhere to walk up that I can return back if it gets too tough as a test.
I don't know if you will see this comment, cus its posted on last week's vid, but I had a great business idea that I'll like to run past you. since you and Carrie have been doing traveling and business for a while, I have never done either lol I'd like to run by an idea
You could rent that out at $300-$400 a week, probably. Under 30sq metres you don't need building consent. At least not in Northland. My sister built 3 "sleepouts" on her farmlet. They built a separate toilet and shower building for them. Ah I see you don't have a sleepout. You have a flat with plumbing and a kitchen. You're just repairing, I guess that doesn't need an permits or consents. You could probably get $500 a week.
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
Watching some of your old videos, I see such a change in you! Your kiwi side has awakened lol. Gone is the Californian boy, in its place is a man who has done a lot of soul searching, healing, a calmer more in touch person is emerging, it’s what New Zealand does to people. There is something very special about this land of ours. I lacks the vibrance and speed of the US, but without all of that living here gives you the space in your mind to get to know who you are, less distractions and less pressure to be a certain way. It’s a lot easier to be who you truly want to be here. Well done I know it’s been a learning curve and a tough adjustment for you at times, but I truly think this move was meant to be for you, you may not live here forever and if you decide to return to the US your time here will be the true making of you :)
Thank you. You’re insights are spot on. 🙏🏼❤️
I'm so excited to hear how your adventure goes! a few years ago I visited the South Island with friends and we did a bunch of hiking around Queenstown and it was one of my favorite trips I've ever been on. Just jaw-dropping natural beauty!
Thanks Genevieve! We can’t wait to get down there and share the adventure with you!
Glad you enjoyed your time here. Your welcome back anytime. :)
Whishing you a nice hike and looking forward to exciting videos to come! Thank you for your very inspiring, positive and honest videos! Cheers, Axel
Thanks Axel. I appreciate the support. Stay tuned 👍🏽
Enjoy your adventure and relax from all those renovations you both deserve it........Lanka too
Thank you Effie!
Watching this and feel excited. I really want to explore those places. Thank you guys for sharing this experience.
The documentary drops this weekend!
Can recommend a cruise on Milford Sound if you can find time. Truly beautiful. Stunning in any weather. Seals, dolphins, waterfalls and scenery to wonder at. Enjoy.
Thank you Tina! It’s our on itinerary :)
So happy to hear you and Carrie are heading off for some couple time in a wondrous part of Aoetearoa. Im sure it is just what you both need. You work so tirelessly Alex and deserve the break. Love your videos, keep up the great work :)
Thank you Helen. We are looking forward to the adventure :)
The forest bath gave me goosebumps, that's how much I like it! Looking forward to your Milford Track video(s) very much! And it was nice to finally see the sleepout. It has a bit of an old European campground vibe :)
Gotta love a good forest bath. Stay tuned for the Milford series it’s going to be 🔥
New Zealand is so beautiful
It definitely is :)
Yes love the start off and the finish of your video beautiful brush like scenery awesome and I know south island will be the same beautiful down there enjoy your self and keep safe
I can see such potential in that sleep out, and when borders open, your families and friends can come visit ☑️. I too love the wildlife, but when it's in the wild, not in the house. The trip up the mountain was beautiful, thank you for the beautiful aerial view of your car traveling through the bush. And then, you appeared in that beautiful bush. I have to say the music you chose to accompany the bush scenes was heavenly, and brought tears to my heart💚. Coming home is a wonderful feeling, whether it be home into nature, a country, a family.... It's all a wonderful feeling and it's all home. Looking forward to going on the Milford trek with you both. 👍🏻🏞️
Thank you Elah 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Good morning Alex 🌞 gosh yes! it was like a tropical heat wave 🥵 makings for thunderstorm weather ⛈️ 🌧️🌧️ and stunning sunsets 🔥 😍
You've put so much hard mahi into your home, you get the sweaty awkward jobs 🥵 😂 under the house, up in the roof, on the roof, make this, make that, chop wood, cart the wood, mow lawns, fix fences, chase sheep, and the list goes on 📝... but! with you and Carrie's hard mahi "It's absolutely wonderful to see how much you have both accomplished in NZ in only a few years "well done 🙌🏽 😁 and that was a peaceful walk through Giant's 🌲 I love tree's 💚
Aww thank you Meg. Really appreciate your kind words!
As always, such a breath of fresh air watching your videos 😊
Thank you Izzy. Glad you enjoyed the video
Loved the forest walk section of this video. Naturing yourself is SOOO important.
Thanks Helen. Yes it is. Gotta love a good Forest Bath
I love your drone footage! Always! Thanks for sharing some beautiful scenery and adventures with us.
Thanks Janelle!
@@AlexanderAyling me tooo
Please where was the place in drone footage ????
Always love watching your vlogs.... i'm NZ lots now but hopefully this yer i can return to see family..... keep doing these cool vlogs...
Wishing you lots of luck on your new adventure!! Excitment to be had and memories to be made!! 👏🏼💛
Thank you Anna 🙏🏼
Your view of the sky at night is amazing!
It’s unreal!
@@AlexanderAyling where was the place please by drone footage ???
Lol get a shower dome for yr shower . They are great stops the steam from getting out and will help stop mound .
Enjoy the time away Alex ❤
Thank you 🙏🏼
Have an amazing time in Milford! 🥾
Thank you Amelia. We’re super excited!
Enjoy your walk on the Milford Track look forward to following your holiday👍
Thank you Helen!
Oh wow 🤩 this is a great video. Love love all things Nature 😌 and those stars ✨ like WOW 💜 Have a wonderful adventure down the South Island 👍🏼
Thank you Melanie!!
The Milford Track is superb,you will love it. Enjoy your hike and adventure 😎
Thank you Jane. Can’t wait!
I’m looking forward to seeing you do the Milford track. Have fun 😊
Thanks Angela! We are so excited!
Pack warm haha.... enjoy your trip. Looking forward to seeing this new adventure.
Yeah we will do our best!
All the best for the adventure. Looking forward to those videos
Thank you Shilpa. The videos are going to be epic
All the best and continued success 💚
Good luck and success 👍🌸 Great video
Thank you 🙏🏼
As always thank you for creating such fantastic content 🤍
I’m the past 9 months since my son was born I have been so mindful of the content/media I consume and the time I spend doing so. I always feel so positive, motivated and inspired after watching your videos, they are one of my favourite little bits of me time whilst my boy sleeps!
Looking forward to following along as you take on the Milford track.
I don’t know if you have ever been, or would consider going, but Rakiura (Stewart Island) is well worth a visit if you get a chance in the future! My husband and I absolutely love it, one of the most unique and beautiful parts of the country in my opinion. Stunning tramping, amazing locals and wild Kiwi to spot every night! We can’t wait to get back there early next year 🌿
Safe travels 🤍⛰
Thank you for this lovely message Ali. I’m glad my videos can give you a nice positive breather.
We haven’t been to Raikura- Stewart Island yet but would like to soon!
I hope that you have a dog sitter for Lanka - and perhaps a baby sitter for Woolsen - if he still has extra milk. Animals are a big NO-NO on the Milford track!! I walked the milford track many years ago and I have done it twice. lets see - 1983 and again in 1991. Freedom walking as well!! Hope you get the good weather. We got nothing but rain on the first trip which is why we did it again, and got much better weather the second time around. Assuming you are freedom walking, you have to carry all your own food, snacks, trail mix, clothes, sleeping bags and pillows. The cabins will only have bunk beds and mattresses. I think they have stoves. Oh yeah, take a pot or something to cook your food in. Food that can be cooked fast!! Such as Ramen Noodles, coffee. etc.
Thanks, from Florida.
Cheers Bob
I do hope the weather on your trip is good
I am looking forward to the great cinematography and editing you are doing
Be safe have fun
Thank you!!
Me too the summer down this way has been terrible this year! Worst summer ever. Pack some warm clothes ! Enjoy
Very much looking forward to your Milford vids. It is something I'd like to do, I think... 😁 Be great to know how much prep I need to do for an enjoyable and safe trip.
Thanks Rachelle - stay tuned as I’ll have a 3 part Vlog series as well as a How To guide
@@AlexanderAyling oh brilliant, thanks for the heads up! You both do a great job, thanks for all your hard work.
Hey Alex! Im not sure about the ones in your region, but the trees of Whakarewarewa Forest up in the Taupo area are literally from California! They brought them in there long time ago and it’s really impressive 😉
Hi it’s me again .. don’t think I have mentioned before that my my daughter and husband have “ lifestyle” too and so many of your experiences are similar to what they have had to “ attack” re renovations including a sleepover! Seems Cortney wasn’t able to help out with the weather boards ha ha .It was so nice to see the redwoods etc as you trekked along could almost feel the peace and tranquility.
I did the Milford track in Jan 2020 very lucky to get in a last holiday before coming back to Melbourne and going into lockdown. I enjoyed it, great hike. The Routeburn is my favourite I did it a few years ago and would love to
Do that hike again, it’s a bit more Alpine hiking up in the clouds above the tree line it’s just beautiful. The Milford is stunning but you do spend a lot of time under the canopy… just preferences I guess 😊 hope you enjoy it
We hope to get the Routeburn done too!
I loved Routeburn. Still my favourite as well. We were lucky to be there when the mt cook lily was flowering which was perfect. And the hut wardens were a blast!
Love the huts and the warden speech time they are so passionate. I don’t miss those sand flies those things are ferocious especially on the Milford. They barely touched my friend, sadly they love my blood😒I want to do the Kepler next but would love to do the Routeburn again
Are you flying into Queenstown? That's a breathtaking landing flying over the Remarkables.
Yup! :)
Forest bathing!!!!! So good for the soul.
The best!
Wow so excited yoy guys are doing this. I’m doing the hollyford track over 8 days in a months time and this will be like a little preview for me
Very nice vlog again. One thing that I didn't enjoy so much was that during your walk the red 'Subscribe' button kind of became a bit annoying but I get why you want it there. Love your content!
Don't forget to do a milford cruise
We won’t! It’s on the list :)
I wouldn't recommend leaving the timber black. It will twist and warp in the sun.
Yeah I think we will need to do A LOT of work to really take care of it
Take insect repellent... lots and lots =p I'm looking forward to your video of the Sound as I just know you will take the most beautiful shots. Enjoy and relish in all the beauty =)
Just an idea re the weatherboards: people doing renos sometimes have small quantities left over, or pieces in good condition from demolitions so a shout out on your local/nearby Facebook pages might get you some sooner. We got enough kauri planks from a cottage demolition to use for the floor on our extension. Love all your vlogs. Thanks so much 🙏 Oh and on the plus side, the wood was free because it was destined for the tip. We just had to pay for it to be milled . Altogether way cheaper than buying new 😀
Thanks for the tip!! I’ll keep my eyes peeled and ask around
@@AlexanderAyling - There's a second hand building materials place on the south end of Greytown... on Bidwells Cutting Road (back road to Martinborough) that has lots of stuff that you may find useful.. We went there a few years back and it was fascinating to see all the treasures they sell. I think we ended up buying an old wrought iron bedhead... worth a visit at some point maybe?
great video alex
Thank you!
@@AlexanderAyling your welcome dude I enjoy your content and I rarely watch TH-cam
I boxed in my eaves too with plywood.
Hi Alex, I still enjoy watching your new videos with your updates. It is awesome to see how similar New Zealand is to California where I was born and raised as well, in regards to the forests with the giant redwood sequoia trees. It is absolutely gorgeous and stunning to behold. I have decided that I will be visiting New Zealand no later than September 15th, 2022 with my re-approved Working Holiday Visa. I feel both blessed and grateful that it was approved again two years later, even though I will be three years older than the age limit allowed this summer. I will be allowed to fly in and out for a whole year, and the time only deducts from that twelve months while I am only physically inside the country. I have enjoyed watching your videos for two years, and have been working from home virtually for two years as well. May I get your advice and suggestions for an itinerary for both the North and South islands for a minimum of two weeks as a first time visitor? :-D
Gutted... we were booked to do last week but C19 stopped us going as travelling from Auckland. We're rebooked for Dec. So excited to see how your trip goes.
Aww bummer. Glad you’ve rebooked. Hope the series helps you plan your trip
🥰🥰🥰
🙏🏼🙏🏼
I'm envious bro. I so want to do the Milford Track but don't have confidence my budget lungs will get me over MacKinnon Pass. I've been along the road (which is mind blowing in itself) and cruised the fiord. I was so lucky with the weather. It snowed the night before and there was clear skies on the day, got an almost perfect photo of Mitre Peak and was lucky enough to see the Seals, Dolphins and Penguins. Want to go back and see it while it's raining now. The captain on the boat says the best time to see Milford Sound is when it's pouring with rain and all the waterfalls are at full force, so hoping to get a day like that when I'm down that way. Take care bro and don't leave anything lying around for the kea's to pinch. Arohanui
Thank you! I’m sure you’d be fine on the hike :)
I have a VSD - heart condition - and I was able to walk the Milford track twice!! The slog up to McKinnon pass was fairly easy. The downwards side on the other side was the really hard part for me!! That is the steep side and it is hard on the knees!! Of course I was much younger then, but it can be done. I was 19 the first time and 27 the second time. I am now in my 50s.
@@francescathomas3502 thank you. I would love to do it but do worry about my budget lungs. I can't suck in enough oxygen and tire really quickly. I'm going to find somewhere to walk up that I can return back if it gets too tough as a test.
Love the video as always, may I ask the song at 10:45? Looking forward to your next video!
The music company is linked in the description👍🏽👍🏽
@@AlexanderAyling not sure if I'm blind but I don't find it :(
Have you tried any local independent wood merchants, maybe they could cut you what you want. There is a few around I just remember names sorry
I don't know if you will see this comment, cus its posted on last week's vid, but I had a great business idea that I'll like to run past you. since you and Carrie have been doing traveling and business for a while, I have never done either lol I'd like to run by an idea
There has been an incident on the
Milford Track in the news. Please say you’re okay!?
We’re fine- just finished ☑️
Please the name of place by drone in the beginnig
I love you good job
Did you mean humane mouse traps? Since you’re doing all the repairs needed so you will no longer have uninvited guests, humane is ideal right?
You could rent that out at $300-$400 a week, probably.
Under 30sq metres you don't need building consent. At least not in Northland.
My sister built 3 "sleepouts" on her farmlet. They built a separate toilet and shower building for them.
Ah I see you don't have a sleepout. You have a flat with plumbing and a kitchen. You're just repairing, I guess that doesn't need an permits or consents.
You could probably get $500 a week.
Cheers Barry!
We will look into it
Alex, suggest you remove the cabbage tree, they bring in rats and mice.
Thanks Ian. Yeah it’s on the hit list for a few reasons. The mice magnet is one
Make sure you take a rain cover for your backpacks!
Yup we have those :)