This week I am finishing up my semester abroad in New Zealand, and I am so glad I came! Because of the amazing experiences I've had here, and the happiness with my decision to spend 5 months in the most beautiful country in the world, I want to share with you all pictures I've been able to take while here that will convince you why you NEED to choose to travel to and experience all NZ has to offer.
So are you looking for your next place to fulfill your wanderlust? Need that ultimate adventure getaway filled with beauty no matter where you go? Choose New Zealand to be your next destination. Here are some of the reasons why this will be one of the best decisions of your life;
1. You can see places like this
This place on the South Island of New Zealand is home to the beautiful Milford Sound. This has been called the "eighth wonder of the world" and is just one of those places that makes your jaw drop and internally question if this is real life.
2. And like this
Mt. Cook National Park, a must see, is also on the South Island and is known for it's beautiful and crisp winter mornings and snow capped peaks.
3. There are 7x more sheep than people
This means that a road trip across the country includes thousands upon thousands of adorable sheep and their baby lambs frolicking through open pastures in pure happiness. Also, as if they couldn't get any cuter, the indigenous Maori language's term for sheep is "hipi." Your welcome.
4. Speaking of road trips, any drive in this country feels like an adventure
This is based upon the fact that every single road is totally insta-worthy and calls for a copilot in the front seat with a camera. The best way to see this country is honestly going for a drive. Each hour, each minute, makes such a difference in landscape, and it is all so beautiful!
5. Wake-ups for sunrises are never regretted
While here, I woke up for more sunrises than I ever have and I never regretted it. Each time, my breath was taken away due to the beauty and quiet serenity of New Zealand. NZ is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
6. Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, so go ahead and dive in!
I mean it! New Zealand invented bungy jumping and people come from all over the world to the city of Queenstown to try their hand at every adventure activity possible. From a skyline luge down the mountainside that feels like Mario Kart in real life, to skydiving over the snow-capped peaks of the mountains, there is no way you could get bored. I mean, look closely at this pic, can you see those two people paragliding their way to bliss? That was a coincidence! Adventure is everywhere.
7. It is one of those places that looks better than any pictures ever taken of it. Really.
There were so many moments when I wished my eyes were small cameras that could capture the real beauty because it is truly unbelievable.
8. If nature is your thing, there are so many activities you can do; including "tramping" (hiking)
Hiking is huge in New Zealand, and it is home to some of the greatest walks in the world, including the famous multi day 9 Great Walks. Pictured above is the Hooker Valley Track in Mt. Cook National Park, a must do.
9. The wildlife is very friendly and diverse
Aside from how funny and adorable this seal is in the coastal mountainous town of Kaikoura, there really is so much undisturbed and preserved wildlife to see. From the rare Kiwi bird to dolphins and seals on the coast.
10. It's Narnia.
Literally. This is Cathedral Cove, famous for it's beautiful rock formations but even more so for being a critical backdrop and filming spot in the Narnia movies.
11. Most of the country is just pure nature, filled with preserved National Parks of all different sorts
This is Fjordland National Park, a large beautiful area on the South Island of New Zealand, and definitely worth the visit. Even on a cloudy day it is only more beautiful and majestic.
12. If you're looking for an escape, this is the place
In the whole country there are only about 4 million people, so you can be in the most beautiful places with not a soul in sight. This is so rare in almost every other tourist destination!
13. No matter the season, there is ALWAYS something to see and do
I arrived in the middle of winter, and although I was concerned that I wasn't going to be here during the summer, the high season for New Zealand's activities and tourism, I realized I had nothing to worry about! It was less crowded, less expensive, plus the snow blanketed parks and walks made me feel like I was walking through a fairy tale.
14. You will find the best art and cutest city streets throughout the country
This is New Regent St. in the city of Christchurch, where I studied for the semester on the South Island. After the terrible earthquakes that devastated the city, there has been a great spirit of rebuild and innovation since then. You can walk the city and find beautiful spots and art projects.
15. It's waiting for you
