Kia Ora!
Packing Packing can be a terrifying task. You may be an overpacker like I was once, but I learned quickly how to change that. You may ask yourself: What if I really need 15 different shirts? What if *insert highly-unlikely scenario here* happens and I don't have *insert unnecessary item here*? Okay, okay, breathe. First thing… Continue reading Travel Tips: Packing
I thought it's about time that I switch gears, and instead of telling you why you should travel to New Zealand, I'm going to tell you how to prepare for it. My next two posts will include just a few packing and traveling tips I have compiled through my two-week experience in NZ. Weather First… Continue reading Travel Tips: Weather
The most amazing experience I had in New Zealand was the second night in Rotorua at the Tamaki Maori Village. We spent the evening experiencing Maori culture firsthand. In small groups, we walked around this Maori village visiting different "stations" where Maori "villagers" showed us traditions of Maori culture such as carving, weaving, and the haka. The first… Continue reading Rotorua: Part 2
After we left the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, we drove to Rotorua, which immediately became my favorite city that we visited. In class, we had read the novel Once Were Warriors written by Rotorua native Alan Duff. While reading this novel, we also studied other cultural aspects of Rotorua which is considered to be the center of Maori culture. We… Continue reading Rotorua: Part 1
Imagine you're in a dark cave and look up to see the starry sky, but those aren't stars—they're bugs. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are just one of the many distinctive places found in New Zealand that really can't be described as anything other than magical. In fact, the Glowworm Grotto has probably influenced some Disney magic. Before… Continue reading Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Paihia and Waitangi In the heart of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand is the main center of tourism—a town called Paihia. Here, you can take a Dolphin Cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock. We took this half-day boat cruise to see some of the 144 islands in the Bay. Along the way—if the… Continue reading Bay of Islands
Auckland Sky Tower The tallest (328 metres/1,076 feet) manmade structure in New Zealand, Auckland's Sky Tower, offers 360º views of Auckland. From the main observation deck at 186 metres/610 feet, these views of Auckland will take your breath away. As cliché as that sounds, get used to it; this country will continue to amaze you everyday… Continue reading Auckland Sky Tower and Beaches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PscXGpsF3dY Last year, Imagine Dragons performed a few shows in New Zealand and filmed a video while they were there. The video has amazing views of Auckland and surrounding areas. Who wouldn't want to film an awesome music video here?
Mount Eden • Auckland War Memorial Museum • Devonport My experience in the most populated city in New Zealand began around 6 am on May 20th, 2015, as we landed in the Auckland airport. Our tour of the city started with a hike up Mount Eden, one of the many volcanic cones, to watch the sunrise over the Auckland skyline. The… Continue reading First stop: Auckland!
My Adventures in Aotearoa 