Adventuring Through Aotearoa

The past two weeks have been filled with incredible adventure and beauty as I ventured through the mountains and mud of New Zealand. 

Between each term of school, there are two weeks of school holidays.  I used this time to embark on a trip around the South Island of New Zealand. This time has filled me with wonder and satisfaction, knowing I have been blessed to experience the best of what New Zealand has to offer, not only in the classroom, but in the stunning landscape and vibrant outdoor culture.

Then, I ventured through Haast’s dense rainforest and coastal territory. Just twenty minutes of driving transported me from a peaceful ocean view to a rugged rainforest mountain range. New Zealand may be small, but it is packed with a variety of biomes. After a few more hikes and a good night’s sleep, I continued to Wanaka, and my favorite part of the journey began. This is where the most vibrant colors I have ever witnessed truly came to life. Stunning bright blue waters upheld lush green mountains. It was as if the lake’s icy blue vibrancy kissed the bright, lush grass of the foothills. While I passed Wanaka Lake, a rainbow formed in the sky. In one moment, what is possibly the most radiant portrait of colors I have ever laid my eyes upon appeared before me. I felt a deep sense of awe as I pulled over my car and exclaimed, “This is so unreal.” 

After Wanaka, the journey to Te Anau began. This town supports travellers to Fiordland National Park, home of Milford Sound. I was particularly excited for  Milford Sound because of its renown. The experience of Milford itself was beautiful, and it was the most touristy excursion. The experience brought to life a duality of emotions. The scenery made me feel blessed and privileged to be in such a stunning place, and it also made me wish I could show the ones I love the same beauty (especially my wonderful fiancé, Jason). Furthermore, a flood of tourists seemed to go only to be seen, rather than to see, which grieved my heart. It seems social media has made nature the means by which the end of taking a good photo for Instagram is accomplished. When a camera becomes how we see the world, rather than how we capture what we see, we deprive ourselves of the humanity woven into awe at the Earth around us. I understand the desire to share what we see with those we love, and I love seeing a family pose to capture a memory- this is not what I am talking about. What makes me sad is when we reach the most beautiful point in a journey and almost everyone looks away to look at a camera, depriving true beauty of the attention it deserves.

My adventure concluded at Mt. Cook- the tallest mountain in New Zealand. This stop consisted of glacial hikes, seeing an avalanche in real time, and a hike of over 2,200 stairs! I felt truly immersed in nature, as I slept under the stars and reflected on my time (it was so clear, you could see the whole Milky Way!). 

This journey also brought me the privilege of hearing about the lives of other travelers. One person who stood out was Bogdan, who has hitchhiked around several continents. When I asked him what he has earned from his years of travel, he said, “There are good people everywhere. If everyone travelled like me, there would not be so much hate and so many wars because people would understand that people are good everywhere.” I think this attitude of hope, founded in true experience, can inspire all of us to be more loving in a culture of disunity. 

Overall, New Zealand has proven to be an incredibly vibrant landscape, culture, and experience, and I am so grateful to be shaped by all it has to offer. 

ps- every time I am outside and see a heart-shaped rock, I take a picture because it reminds me of my fiancé, and I want to send it to him- here are the ones I saw on this trip!