Our time in New Zealand was incredible! The Kiwi people were very kind and welcoming, and our interactions with them gave us a real insight into how happy they are to live in New Zealand. I also love how close everything was, as well as the ease, accessibility, and efficiency of its public transportation system. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, yet some of the world’s most beautiful forests and beaches are only a 30-minute bus or ferry ride away from its center. Furthermore, despite being home to more than a million people, Auckland is one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been to. Environmental sustainability is central to the Kiwi lifestyle, and its people work hard to preserve the country’s natural beauty so it can be enjoyed by future generations. One of our excursions was to the Hobbiton in Matamata. Visiting the set of The Lord of the Rings was an amazing experience, and it gave me a deep appreciation for how much love and care were put into every detail of the Shire. Another excursion was to the Waitangi Treaty grounds. Learning about the history between the British and the Māori people was truly enlightening, and it serves as a great example of how very different cultures have cooperated to form a mutually beneficial relationship that has lasted over a hundred years. Another very fun activity we did was jumping off the Auckland Sky Tower! It was great to collectively overcome our fear of heights and experience the thrill of falling 192 meters at over 50 miles an hour! Compared to the United States, New Zealand is much further ahead on its sustainability efforts, and its people embody a work-to-live rather than live-to-work culture. Our next stop is Sydney, Australia, and I am eager to see what the rest of our trip has in store!
