Student Bloggers

Another Epic Flight:

Once again, I drag myself to the airport before sunrise. Yet another exciting and memorable flight is in store, right up there with the Island Hopper! I am flying upstairs on the massive, double-decker Airbus A380 with Emirates on my way from Sydney to Christchurch; another thing I have always wanted to do. Many airlines from countries other than Australia and New Zealand fly between them, which is very unique. I decided to book Business Class just this once because this provides valuable experience for my Air Transportation major...and unlimited free drinks! The lounge, lie-flat seat, on-board bar, and stellar service make the 2.5 hour flight amazing, except for a tinge of disappointment that it is over when the wheels grease Christchurch’s 3+ kilometer long runway. The weather has changed from hot and sunny in Australia to windy and rainy here on the South Island. I meet up with my Kiwi host, Jan, at the airport (we met in Denver, CO last year) and we drive to her house where I meet her five cats! We spend the day catching up, then we go out for dinner. Then, in spite of saying I would not take another flight trip while here, I decide to go back to Sydney during an upcoming weekend because of course I do. I might as well enjoy myself while I am down here!

Christchurch:

“Make sure you have a pair of shoes by your bed, you never know when there’ll be an earthquake.” Wise words spoken by Jan, who experienced the deadly 2011 quakes. New Zealand lies on a fault line, and these quakes effectively destroyed this English-influenced city, which is still suffering from the long-lasting consequences from the disasters. Jan, however, speaks hopefully of the still-ongoing rebuild, “Christchurch is attempting to become the most modern and technologically advanced city in the world.”

A rare early autumn Antarctic polar blast is moving through the area, bringing with it dumping rain. Fortunately, I do not have to do much walking during this segment of my mid-semester holiday. Jan drives me around Christchurch while sharing fascinating commentary. Then she drops me off at the International Antarctic Centre, where I spend two hours learning about and experiencing the world’s elusive seventh continent. I ride on an outdoor course designed to simulate trekking across Antarctica by military vehicle, a popular method of transport down there. I also endure a simulated freak winter storm! Jan prepares a home-cooked meal of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for dinner and it turns out amazing.

Train Through the Alps:

I was originally planning to take the train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass and back, but due to inclement weather I extend the ticket to Greymouth on New Zealand’s west coast. I now have a shorter time at the destination and longer train ride, which I am pretty okay with considering that the TranzAlpine is one of the most scenic routes in the world. Jan drives me to the Christchurch Railway Station early in the morning where I board the 9-car train that will take me through New Zealand’s world-renowned Alps! Two engines, five passenger cars including one with a café, a viewing car, and a luggage car. There are some empty seats scattered throughout the train, allowing us passengers to spread out and switch sides depending on the views! The highlight of the five-hour each way train ride is easily between one to two hours out of Christchurch, as we pass through the majestic Alpine terrain, stop for ten minutes at Arthur’s Pass, and make our way through a long tunnel, after which the weather magically becomes sunny and warms up! I witness all four seasons today. While expensive, this train ride is definitely worth it if you want to get a unique taste of the mountains while staying cozy. 

Wellington:

Another day, another early flight; it never ends, and I have at least one more coming up. I bid Jan goodbye at Christchurch International about an hour before my puddle jumper to New Zealand’s capital is scheduled to leave; the flight is only a half hour, but loaded with beautiful window views! Wellington’s airport is known across the world for its dangerous wind conditions for aircraft, but today poses no issues for us. I hit the ground running and see the entire city before mid-afternoon! Two business-people offer to shout me a cab ride downtown on their company card since our destinations are similar. drop off my luggage at my Airbnb and walk across town to the cable car. I ride up to a viewpoint in the suburb of Kelburn. The weather is a bit nippy, but also sunny; nicer than the past few days, as the polar blast has decided that it has made New Zealanders miserable enough! I stroll down to near Victoria University of Wellington, snap some lookout photos, take the cable car back down the hill, and head off to the Capitol Building known as the Beehive due to its shape. It feels rewarding, getting to see the Capitol of a country that I love so much. I have to trek 30 minutes the other direction to get back to my crash pad, but time flies by when you’re walking along a beautiful harbour.

For lunch, I order a great fish and chips at the local Mt. Victoria Chippery near where I am staying. The weather has cooled down, spitting rain and all, but there is one more thing I have to do: climb Mt. Victoria. I hike up the mountain for 30 minutes and am rewarded with stunning views of the city, airport, surrounding suburbs, and inland coves! Wellington strikes me as a hip town that tourists often overlook in favour of the South Island. I am happy to be here!

I move my flight up from the next evening to the afternoon since I want some extra study time back home in Auckland for my exam next Wednesday. This has been a lovely holiday, and I can’t wait for Sydney again and Queenstown in May! Until then, back to work at uni!