Student Bloggers

Queenstown:

Well, after three and a half months in a foreign land, the excitement of being abroad has subsided and life just feels normal. I hit an emotional wall this week, with no choice but to push through. I do not want to get caught in a rut, which is one reason that my third and final South Island trip to the Fiordland region comes at the perfect time. Tourism has died down as winter approaches, making for a peaceful respite prior to final exam season. While Auckland to Dunedin is the longest flight distance-wise one can take within New Zealand at 660 miles, the 637-mile Auckland to Queenstown flight takes more time due to the treacherous obstacle course that is the Southern Alps; it can take nearly 2 hours to traverse this small but exotic country. From the air, one can tell just how different the North and South Islands are; the North is quite green, hilly but not too mountainous but the South is covered in mountains and golden plains. This makes for stunning views as the craft carefully negotiates the massive, snow-capped peaks, flying over Lake Tekapo, Mt. Cook, and Wanaka before shooting down a narrow valley towards Queenstown’s aerodrome.

The first thing I do is call up world-famous Fergburger and order some takeaway. I opt for a steak burger, chips with tomato sauce, and a milkshake. The burger lives up to the hype; a true cheeseburger in paradise, Jimmy Buffett would be proud. In spite of a technical glitch with my reservation, I eventually check into my hostel and settle in. I stroll over to a local café to meet up with Arcadia program coordinator Jane; she is nice enough to buy me a tea, and we have a wonderful conversation about life in New Zealand! It feels great opening up to her and sharing my growth. We talk about my travels, uni life in Auckland, recommendations for overcoming my periodic boredom, and an Arcadia essay I will write on my own personal growth in New Zealand! This several page essay will earn me a “Co-curricular Learning Certificate” from Arcadia. Jane mentions that she is impressed with how many Kiwi friends I have made, which is something I am quite proud of and content with.

Later in the afternoon, I stroll down to the waterfront, mountains looming in the background under the cool, late afternoon sun. Queenstown’s park has a serene walking path featuring a tire swing, numerous benches, and unparalleled views; quite relaxing for the mind and body. My leisurely walk eventually leads me to Queenstown’s centre before I return to the hostel and prep for a weekend of day-trips.

Milford Sound:

Queenstown is far enough south that the sky is still pitch black at 7 in the morning. I begin the 5-some hour bus ride down to Milford Sound; the terrain requires a long route around the mountains, tripling the direct distance. The trip passes with naps, reading, commentary, and stunning one-of-a-kind scenery. We arrive at the sound in the early afternoon and miraculously the rain holds off! Milford Sound is notorious for rainstorms but today remains mostly cloudy with intermittent sun and sprinkles. I have never seen anything like this; a sheltered fjord surrounded by towering peaks. A boat takes us to the Tasman Sea and back, stopping under waterfalls and deep inside secluded coves. The long ride back is testing since I already feel tired so I reward myself with Fergburger at the end of the day.

Mt. Cook:

Sadly, the weather does not hold up for my visit to Mt. Cook. The drive is nice as we wind our way through the South Island’s hills and plains, but rain dominates the landscape. By the time we arrive, the entire Alps are covered in thick clouds and Mt. Cook is barely visible. Although this is a disappointment, it is not entirely unexpected during late autumn. I am just thankful that I got good weather at the Sound. By the time I get back to Queenstown, I am completely wiped out and ready for a long rest. 

Future New Zealand:

Now I am back in Auckland, and it is crazy to think that the next time I visit Auckland’s airport I will be there to begin my trip back to the US. I have given some consideration to what I want to do when I come back to New Zealand on an unspecified date in the future, and here is what I have come up with: a car or bus trip that focuses on areas I missed from the South Island such as Abel Tasman National Park, Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, Wanaka, and Lake Tekapo’s observatory. Perhaps I could get a work visa as well; I could definitely see myself living here one day! This would be ideal to do around New Zealand’s summertime since the South Island has extreme weather. Plus, stopping in Auckland to see some of my amazing Kiwi friends would never hurt!

I realise I have been posting a high number of travel-related posts in recent weeks, which is why my next post will focus more on my recent emotional experiences.