New Zealand’s South Island Changed My Life | 3 Weeks Solo Adventure

Last year, I set out on an unforgettable three-week journey around New Zealand’s incredible South Island.

This wasn’t just a typical road trip—after battling illness and losing touch with creativity, this adventure became my reset, my escape, and reignited my passion for filmmaking and cinematography.

From epic mountain peaks to getting stuck in muddy campgrounds, playful wildlife encounters, and mesmerizing starry skies, here’s the full adventure. Looking back, this trip reminded me that healing doesn’t always arrive dramatically—often it’s in the small, quiet moments, unexpected kindness, and places that leave you speechless.

A massive thank you to MAD Campers for trusting me with the keys and helping make this happen.

If you enjoyed the journey, don’t forget to subscribe—lots more coming your way soon!

⬇️ MY SOUTH ISLAND GUIDE (My personal itinerary & favorite spots):
https://www.codytigergray.com/nz-phot...

🎥 MY CAMERA GEAR (Affiliate links support the channel!):

• Sony a7C II: https://amzn.to/41sQiel • Laowa 10mm f/2.8: https://amzn.to/3RcoS7D
• Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8: https://amzn.to/41uBjAC
• Sigma 35mm f/1.4: https://amzn.to/4bSGdMu
• Samyang 24mm t/1.5: https://amzn.to/4bWjSgX
• Canon 85mm f/1.2: https://amzn.to/3XUjIRo
• K&F Concept Tripod: https://amzn.to/4iS130H
• K&F Variable ND/CPL: https://amzn.to/3XQpROE
• K&F Square Filter Set: https://amzn.to/427jQj0
• Neewer Camera Cage: https://amzn.to/4ixHafH
• K&F Camera Bag: https://amzn.to/4kOqjXv

🔗 Follow My Adventures:
📷 Instagram: @codytigergray
🌍 Website: codytigergray.com

Timestamps:
00:15 – Intro
01:00 – Backstory
02:00 – Kaikoura
02:40 – Hokitika Gorge
03:00 – Mt Cook
03:30 – Wanaka
04:00 – Milford Sound
07:00 – Waipapa Point Lighthouse
07:30 – The Catlins
08:30 – Parakanui Bay & Waterfalls
10:20 – Fallow Ridge Retreat
11:00 – Mt Cook 2
12:45 – Reflection
13:40 – Outro

Featuring tracks from:
Fleet Foxes, Vance Joy, Blacktop, Jesse Solomon, Radical Face, Zach Bryan, Bon Iver, Billy Sharp, JVKE, and Nick Folwarczny.

(Massive respect to all these artists—your music added real depth to the moments I captured.)