Towards the middle and end of February, many students begin to feel a dulling of effort and ambition. The combination of no holidays to look forward to, as well as midterms waiting around the corner to complicate your life, can lead to boredom and general disinterest. Naturally, when these slow times are upon us, it's important to find escapes for ourselves. While some may pick up a hobby such as knitting or coloring, I find that the best way to release the stress and indulge your urge to escape is to find places across the world that I want to live or explore. After quite a bit of research throughout this past February, it's become clear that New Zealand is the ultimate wanderlust destination.
1. The Culture:
The Maori culture is one of the most fascinating and mysterious cultures on earth today. From their different chants and customs, to the very unique funerals, the Maori are worth spending time getting to know.
2. The Mountains
(Johan Lolos)
With some of the most beautiful views imaginable, New Zealand has quite a few mountains that are definitely worth adding to your imaginary bucket list
3. The Wildlife
(Trevor Penfold)
Harboring some of the most unique wildlife in the world, New Zealand is a veritable wonderland of interesting and fascinating species that can't be found anywhere else, like these kiwi birds.
4. The Beaches (yes I promise there are beaches)
(Trey Ratcliffe)
What travel fantasy would be complete without some time on a sunny beach with the water glistening in the background? New Zealand has both lake and ocean possibilities to fulfill this desire in any traveller.
5. Glaciers (And you can climb them!)
(Trey Ratcliffe)
Let's stop to realize that this is all the same country. You can go from enjoying drinks on a beach, to climbing huge glaciers and ice sheets, without ever needing your passport.
6. Light Pollution? Not hard to escape
Given the remote nature of New Zealand and its untouched wildlife and nature, Light pollution doesn't really exist in many parts of the country, allowing some of the most crystal clear views of the night sky to be found.
(Johan Lolos)
7. Scientific Oddities
(Trey Ratcliffe)
The Moeraki boulders are some of the most fascinating feats of nature to ever exist. These almost perfectly round boulders were formed on the sea floor, and then were exposed and shaped due to coastal erosion.
8. Even the Caves are Lit (Glowing caves)
(Joseph Michael)
These luminescent caves are the work of New Zealand's native glowworm. You can ride the rivers that run through these illuminated caves, and take in the natural beauty of New Zealand.
9. Diving and Reefs
(Alison Perkins)
From clown fish to angel fish, New Zealand has breath taking marine life and coral reef systems. Any level of swimmer or diver can enjoy the multitudes of color that these ecosystems offer.
10. You can relive the Lord of The Rings...I'm not joking.
(Trey Ratcliffe)
The really big obvious reason that this place should top anyone's wanderlust wish list is right here. New Zealand is home to a lot of the scenery used in the filming of "The Lord of The Rings", including an actual recreation of "Hobbiton" from the books that you can explore. From the astounding views to the one of a kind nature and wildlife, New Zealand places itself as a top contender for any wanderlust enthusiast.
