My journey through New Zealand was an amazing experience. After the finals and class concluded, my immediate family came to visit and we had the opportunity to travel through the North and South Islands. 

The map in the second image is everywhere I had the chance to travel on this trip! My family arrived in Auckland and we spent a couple of days exploring the city and Waiheke Island. 

Our itinerary was:

• Auckland
• Waiheke Island
• Cape Reinga
• Te Anau
• Milford Sound
• Doubtful Sound
• Queenstown
• Nelson
• Abel Tasman
• Takaka

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Waiheke Island

Our trip began on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride away from Auckland. Waiheke has pristine beaches, lush vineyards, and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a haven for relaxation and exploration. We spent the day soaking in the sun and hanging out on the beautiful beaches. 

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Northland: Kerikeri and Rainbow Falls

After exploring Auckland, we flew to Northland. My family stayed in Wharepuke and got to visit Kerikeri. We explored historic sites such as the Stone Store and Kemp House, which offer a glimpse into New Zealand's colonial past. The highlight of my trip was getting to see Rainbow Falls. 

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Cape Reinga: Where Two Oceans Meet

We traveled even further north to the top of the country or Cape Reinga, which is where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean. Standing at the northernmost tip of New Zealand, it was amazing to see such a magnificent location. 

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Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound: Nature's Masterpieces

In the South Island, I found myself captivated by the grandeur of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Carved by ancient glaciers, these fiords are a testament to the raw power of nature. We went on a day cruise in Milford Sound. The weather was terrible, but the waterfalls were pumping. It was one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen. 

My family and I also spent the night in Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise. This was a super cool experience! There are no roads to Doubtful Sound. We had to take a boat across Lake Manapouri, to get to the country's single most expensive stretch of road. There is a road that runs from Lake Manapouri to the entrance of Doubtful Sound, where we boarded our boat! I also had the chance to jump in the water in Doubtful Sound, which was super fun, but very chilly. 

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Queenstown: Adventure Capital of the World

No visit to New Zealand is complete without experiencing the adrenaline-fueled thrills of Queenstown. In the Southern Alps, Queenstown is renowned as the adventure capital of the world. We rode the luge and got to see Queenstown from the skyline. 

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Abel Tasman

My journey culminated in the wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches meet turquoise waters against the backdrop of Aotearoa’s native bush. Exploring the park's scenic trails and secluded coves, I felt a connection to nature and reveled in the peace and tranquility of these beaches.