Istanbul marked the end of my interrail journey throughout Europe back in 2008. I fell in love with Turkey, the people, the raki, and the tavla (backgammon). Whenever I look through my pictures of Istanbul, I yearn to go back.
Someday, I will. For now, enjoy this sunset over the Istanbul Harbor which I snapped from the balcony of a Sultanahmet hostel.
Istanbul Sunset
I would love to feature your travel photo on Backpackingmatt’s Friday Travel Photo series. Send us an email to matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com if you’re interested.
If you’re visiting New Zealand’s West Coast and have tired of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, consider spending a half-day driving to Gillespies Beach. It’s an epic beach and there is plenty to keep you busy on the drive there. Gillespies Beach is found 30 minutes from Fox Glacier Village and 60 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier Village.
Black Rocks on Gillespies Beach
Driftwood Scattered on Gillespies Beach
As you leave Fox Glacier Village, you pass first through flat, West Coast farmland filled with dairy cattle and sheep. Consider stopping at Lake Matheson.
Southern Alps Reflected on Lake Matheson
This lake was formed almost 14,000 years ago as the Fox Glacier retreated and left in its wake a massive crater. It’s a kettle lake and has no streams running in or out of it – essentially, it’s a big puddle which is topped up by rain. Thanks to Lake Matheson’s dark brown water, you can get excellent reflections of the Alps on a calm day. From the carpark, it’s about a one hour walk around the lake. After your walk, check out the Lake Matheson Cafe which has excellent views, does great coffee, and offers West Coast themed food.
Cloud Covered View of the Alps
As you leave Lake Matheson, watch behind you for a chance to view Fox Glacier. Shortly after leaving the lake, the condition of the road deteriorates quickly. It’s a single track, unpaved, and windy road through dense Westland National Park rainforest. Gillespies Beach is about 10 kms past Lake Matheson.
New Zealand Silver Fern Koru
This windswept, black-sand beach is scattered with driftwood, massive boulders left by the glaciers, and has a torrential surf on a stormy day. Even on a calm day there are dangerous riptides, so swimming is not recommended (assuming you could brave the frigid water). If you arrive on a clear day, you’re afforded beautiful views of the Tasman Sea on one side, and the magnificent Southern Alps on the other. The view of Mt. Cook is the greatest I’ve seen anywhere on the island.
Mount Cook as seen from Gillespies BeachAoraki (Cloud Piercer) - Mount Cook
From the beach, you have a couple of different walks available to you. I recommend the three hour return walk to Galway Beach where you can view a seal colony. Otherwise, consider spending the night at Gillespies beach where the Department of Conservation manages a donation only campsite.
Gillespies Sunset
You’ll go to sleep with the sound of the surf and an unforgettable sunset.
Today’s Friday Travel Photo takes you to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh is a fantastic city filled with cozy pubs, excellent gardens, and some great nightlife. If you’re visiting Edinburgh, don’t miss out on these three pubs – they’re excellent places to grab a pint or a plate of Scotland’s national dish: haggis.
This shot was taken in New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region on the South Island. It’s one of New Zealand’s warmest areas and competes with Nelson for seeing the most hours of sunshine each year.
Marlborough is an excellent place to spend the day. Hire a bike or find a designated driver and spend the day tasting some excellent Sauvignon Blancs from the many wineries in the area. Some say that tasting a Marlborough Sav is a life changing experience … I’d probably agree. Read about my day experiencing the wines of Marlborough here.
Have a photo you’d like featured here? Email at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com.
Today’s Monday Escape brings you to the small fishing village of Tobermory on Scotland’s Isle of Mull.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
The village just asks to be featured on Scottish postcards with brightly colored buildings surrounding a small harbor. It is a working fishing village which was founded in 1788 and well worth a visit if you’re traveling around Scotland. The Isle of Mull is a fantastic place to view dolphins, whales, and the White Tailed Eagle.
While you’re in Tobermory, consider checking out the small Tobermory Distillery. They produce a highland single malt whiskey and have been doing so since 1798. Tours can be arranged but you must book in advance.
Also a must on a visit to Tobermory is eating some locally caught seafood. If you’re traveling on a budget, consider checking out the small and unique Tobermory Chip Van. Save yourself the cost of eating at the pub, and pick up a fish and chips from this epic little cart on a waterfront which serves up delicious locally caught fish and scallops.
Have a photo you’d like featured on Backpackingmatt’s Monday Escape? Email me at matt@backpackingmatt.com and I’ll gladly feature your photo with a link back to your blog.
Kia Ora - I'm Matt. Adventurer, Instagrammer and New Zealand travel planning expert living in Queenstown, NZ. Founder of Planit NZ - New Zealand's largest travel planning & booking website.
Hello! I’m Matt. Thanks for checking out my blog. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for loads more New Zealand travel inspiration. Comment on one of my photos so I know you came from here!
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Backpacking Matt 
